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FROM  THE  LIBRARY  OF 
WILLIAM  A.  SETCHELL,i864-i943 

PROFESSOR  OF  BOTANY 


BIOLOGY  LIBRARY 


;nd  shall  in» 
y  College. 


the  continent. 

..     ... 


Farmer,  Braco  &  Go's  Publications. ' 


Mathematical  Series. 

1.  Schell's  Introductory  Lessons  in  Arithmetic. 

2.  Enos'  Intellectual  and  Practical  Arithmetic.  • 
8.  Dodd's  Elementary^nd  Practical  Arithmetic. 

4.  Dodd' s  High  School  Arithmetic. 

5.  Dodd's  Elementary  Algebra. 

6.  Dodd's  High  School  Algebra. 

7.  Dodd'fl  Key  to  Algebra. 

8.  Dodd's  Geometry  and  Mensuration, 
-  9.  Wbitloek's  Geometry  and  Surve. 


Th< 


d  well-directed  genius.     The,  foll< •• 

inions  of  those  who  use  the. 

"I wish  to  introduce  Schell's  little  Arithine 


•  u  thi 
expn- 


"Having  used  Enos'  Arithmetic  in  my  school,  I  believe  it  to  b&  "jpT^ejfl 
!  other  iprorks  of  the  kind."  "  W.  iJAii.tv 

insr  n^ed  Uod  1's  TTisrh  School  Arirtmrictjc  for  more  than  a  year.  I  c 
:hat  1  have  no  wish  ,    its  drtjjj^Hisand  •. 

,  ment  peculiarly  adapt  it  10 my  wants." 

J.  \V.  T.  JKN-KS,  Princii>al  Pierce  Academy 

"lam  delighted  with  Dodl's  AIj..-bra,  and  think  it  th«  bait  •xtaut."— A.  i 
'•I  consider Uo^feiHg^ra  the   rery   best  work  I  hare  . 
^t 


Dr.  J.  L.  Comstock's  Series  on 
is  try,  Botany,  Geology,  Mi 

Olney'  ;  -al  Series  ai 


Gjiflin's  St 
iklesl. 


»,  vix.  :   PUilo: 
taps. 


)rs,  1,  2,  3,4. 
y  find  '    .  •  Microscopic  World. 

, 'tiling-Book,  Readers 


Kirkham's  Elocution. 

Palmer's  Book  keeping  for  r1, >:nmon 

Greenleaf  s  Grammar  shripli 

Gallaudet  and  Hooker's  School  and  Family  Dictionary. 

Bentley's  Pictorial  Spelling-Book. 

Goldsmith's  GeograpicaJ;  View  of  the  World. 

Kubiason's  History  of  England. 

Prof,  Worthington  Hooker's  P%siology  for  High  Schools. 

Prof.  Peissner's  German  Grammar. 


.** 


SMS 


* 


I*-. 


V 


V-    ? 

\     V 
J  \\ 


AN 


TO  THE   STUDY   OF 


BOTANY 


INCLUDING   A   TREATISE    ON 

•*• 

VEGETABLE    PHYSIOLOGY 

AND 

DESCRIPTIONS  OF  THE  MOST  COMMON  PLANTS 

IN   THE 

MIDDLE     AND    NORTHERN    STATES. 


BY  3.  L.  COMSTOCK,  M.  D. 

AUTHOR  OF  "MINERALOGY,"  "  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHY,"  "  CKEMISTKV." 
"GEOLOGY."  "PHYSIOLOGY,  etc 


THIRTY-SECOND    EDITION. 


NEW  YORK: 

PRATT,  WOODFORD,  FARMER  &  BRACE, 

NO.  4  CORTLANDT  STREET. 

1856. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


To  this  edition,  the  Author  has  added  a  chapter  on  Practical 
Botany,  or  the  Analysis  of  flowers,  (page  297,)  so  that  it  is 
now  thought,  no  better  work  for  the  young  Botanist,  without  a 
teacher  can  be  found. 

Hartford,  Conn.  May,  1854. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1854,  by 

J.     L.     COM  STOCK, 

in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  Connecticut. 


BIOLOGY  LIBRARY 


STEREOTYPED   BY 

RICHARD    H.     HOBBS, 

HARTFORD. 


ADVERTISEMENT. 


IN  the  composition  of  this  work,  the  Author  has  had  reference  to 
the  most  recent  authorities  on  Botany,  both  European  and  American. 
The  cuts,  it  is  believed,  will  be  found  very  accurate,  and  generally 
highly  finished  ;  some  of  them  are  from  original  drawings,  and  oth- 
ers from  the  best  English  Engravings. 

The  work  is  chiefly  designed  as  a  school  book  for  the  younger 
classes,  but  it  is  hoped,  will  also  be  the  means  of  introducing  a  taste 
for  the  science  into  families  where  there  exists  a  fondness  for  the 
cultivation  of  ornamental  exotics.  In  the  apprehension  of  the  Au- 
thor, the  different  subjects  are  made  as  simple,  and  at  the  same  tim^ 
as  comprehensive  as  the  circumstances  will  allow.  It  is  however 
hoped  that  he  has  not  sacrificed  science  to  popularity  ;  but  that 
while  the  first  has  been  kept  constantly  in  view,  as  much  facility  has 
been  afforded  the  student,  both  in  respect  to  arrangement,  figures, 
and  explanations,  as  could  reasonably  be  desired. 

It  has  appeared  to  the  author,  that  much  interest  on  the  subject  of 
Botany  might  be  excited  by  connecting  with  the  science,  an  account 
of  the  most  essential  particulars  concerning  the  culture,  and  meth- 
ods of  curing  the  foreign  vegetable  products  in  common  use,  as  con- 
diment or  articles  of  luxury,  or  necessity,  together  with  a  short 
history  of  the  foreign  ornamental  plants  most  frequently  seen  in 
sitting  rooms,  including  the  origin  of  their  names,  their  native  coun 
try,  and  such  other  notices  as  might  be  curious  or  useful  to  the  cul- 
tivators. The  classes  and  orders  have  therefore  been  in  the  first 
place,  illustrated  in  this  manner,  after  which  the  whole  are  again 
illustrated  in  a  tabular  form,  by  the  most  common  North  American 
plants. 

The  very  concise  epitome  of  Professor  Lindley's  Natural  Sys- 
tem, (which  in  some  parts  is  founded  on  that  of  Jussieu,)  is  design- 
ed more  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  the  student's  conceptions  of 
the  wonderful  regularity  and  harmony  that  exists  in  the  works  of 
creation,  than  in  the  e\i>ectation  of  conveying  any  considerable 
knowledge  of  the  affinities  that  have  been  discovered  among  the 
different  genera  of  vegetables.  It  is  hoped,  however,  that  this  short 
illustration  will  serve  to  lead  some  students  to  the  study  of  Professor 
Lindley's  work,  and  also,  that  it  will  in  many  instances,  assist  the 
learner  to  discover  the  names  of  unknown  specimens. 

The  Glossary  is  supposed  to  contain  all  the  terms  requiring  expla- 
nation, or  which  have  not  been  explained  in  the  body  of  the  work. 

Hartford,  Conn,  October  1,  1832. 


ADVERTISEMENT 

TO    THE    FIFTH    EDITION 

The  fifth  edition  has  been  carefully  examined  and  revised  through- 
out; besides  which,  nearly  30  pages  of  matter  have  been  added,  con- 
skting  of  "  THE  LANGUAGE  OF  PLANTS," — an  illustration  of  the 
classes  and  orders,  by  rxamples  of  American  plants,  and  an  index  of 
scientific  and  common  names  to  the  genera. 

j.  L.  (;. 

Hartford,  Conn.,  March,  1837. 


RULES  FOR  PRONOUNCING  BOTANICAL  NAMES. 


In  classical  words,  there  are  as  many  syllables  as  there  are  vowels,  ex 
cept  when  u,  with  any  other  vowel  follows  g,  q,  or  s,  and  when  two  vowels 
unite  to  form  a  dipthong. 

Every  accented  penultimate  vowel  is  pronounced  long,  when  followed 
by  a  vowel  or  a  single  consonant,  as  Achille'a  tomento'sa  ;  but  it  is 
shortened  when  followed  by  two  consonants,  or  a  double  one,  as  Sorbus, 
Taxus,  except  when  the  first  consonant  is  a  mute,  and  the  second  a  liquid, 
as  A'brus. 

A,  when  unaccented,  and  ending  a  word,  is  pronounced  like  the  interjec- 
tion ah,  as  Dirca,  Septaria. 

E,  final,  with  or  without  a  preceding  consonant,  always  forms  a  distinct 
syllable,  as  Chelo'ne,  Sile'ne,  A'loe  ;  also,  when  the  vowel  is  followed 
by  a  final  consonant,  as  Tri-cho-ma-nes,  not  Tricho-manes,  Vas-cu-la-res, 
not  Vascu-lares,  Cel-lu-la-res,  not  Cel-lu-lares. 

I,  when  ending  a  syllable,  not  final,  has  the  sound  of  e,  as  Mespilus, 
(Mcs-pc-lus,)  Artimi'sia,  (Ar-ti-me-staJ  Epilo'bium,  (Epilo-be-um.)  In 
words  ending  in  ii  the  same  rule  is  observed,  as  Smithii.  (Srnithe-cye.) 

The  dipthongs  a  and  a  conform  to  the  rules  for  e,  as  Spirae,  (Spi-re-a,) 
Dioecia,  (Di-e-cia.) 

CONSONANTS. 

The  consonants  c  andg  are  hard  before  a,  o,  and  u,  as  Coptis,  (Koptis,) 
but  they  are  soft  before  e  and  i,  as  Geum,  (Jeum,)  Gillenia. 

Ch  before  a  vowel  sounds  like  k,  Chelidonium,  (Kdidoneum,)  Chelo^e, 
(Kclone.) 

Cm,  en,  ct,  gm,  gn,  mu,  tm,  ps,  pt,  when  they  begin  a  word,  are  pro- 
nounced with  the  first  letter  mute,  as  Pferis,  (Tern),  Cnicus,  (Nikus,) 
Gmelina,  (Mdina,)  Gnidea,  (Nidea,)  &c. 

Sch  sounds  like  sk,  as  Schoenus,  (Skenus,)  Schubertia,  (Skube>'iz.) 

X  at  the  beginning  of  a  word  is  pronounced  like  z,  as  Xanthmm,  ( Zan 
thium,)  Xyris,  (Zyns.^ 


INDEX 


A. 

Arum,      .     .     . 

202 

Capsicum,    .     . 

124 

ABSORPTION,     .     277 

Asclepias,     .     . 

126 

Capsule,       .     . 

72 

Acacia,    .     .     .     211 

Ash  tree,      .     . 

212 

Caryophyllus,    . 

157 

Acer,.     ...     211 

Aster,      .     .     . 

190 

Cashew  nut, 

145 

Acotyledonous 

Atropa,    .     .     . 

122 

Cassia,     .     .     . 

147 

plants,  ...     237 

Avena,     .     .     . 

113 

Castanea,     .     . 

201 

Aculeus,       .     .       50 

Awn,        .     .     . 

56 

Catkin,          .     . 

56 

Adder's  tongue,     215 

B. 

Catalpa,   .     .     . 

110 

Adansonia,        .       19 

Bacca,     .     .     . 

74 

Caulis,     .     .     . 

18 

^Esculus,      .     .     139 

Bag,    .... 

73 

Caulis  nudus,     . 

21 

Agaricus,      .     .     225 

Bambusa,     .     . 

135 

pertoliatus, 

22 

Agrimony,    .     .     152 

Bamboo  cane,   . 

135 

ramosus,    . 

21 

Algae,        ...     219 

Banksia,       .     . 

116 

tubulosus, 

20 

Allium,    .    .     .     137 

Bark,       .     .     . 

262 

volubilis,    . 

23 

Ala,     ....       78 

Beaver  tree, 

166 

Celery,        .     . 

128 

Almond  tribe,   .     234 

Beaded  vessels, 

261 

Cellular  tissue, 

252 

Alnus,               .     199 

Bind  weed,  .     . 

124 

plants,  .     . 

253 

Aloe,        ...     135 

Bignonia,      .     . 

168 

integuments, 

263 

Althaea,    ...     176 

Bixia,      .     .     . 

165 

Cellulares, 

229 

Amanita,      .     .     225 

Berry,      .     .     . 

74 

Chestnut,     .     . 

201 

Amaranth,    .     .     199 

compound, 

74 

Chocolate,    .     . 

200 

Amaryllis,    .     .     134 

Bract,      .     .     . 

49 

Chrysanthemum, 

191 

Ament,     ...       5(3 

Branches,  origin 

Cicuta,     .     .     . 

119 

Amygdalus,  .     .     157 

/»                           ° 

of,     ... 

269 

Cinnamon,    .     . 

143 

Anacardium,     .     145 

Bread  fruit, 

198 

Citrus,     .     .     . 

184 

Angiosperma,    .     232 

Bromelia,     .     . 

134 

Classification,   . 

94 

Anonna,  .     .     .     160 

IJuds,       .     .     . 

78 

Limuean,  . 

06 

Anthers,       .     53,  63 

Catcher's  broom, 

209 

CLASSES, 

Annular  vessels,    260 

Butomus,      .     . 

146 

Monandria,    . 

107 

Anthoxanthum,      110 

C. 

Diandria, 

108 

Apetalous  plants,  237 

Cabbage  tree,  . 

202 

Triandria, 

111 

Apricot,   .     .     .     157 

Cambium,     .     . 

268 

Tetrandria,   . 

115 

Apium,     .     .     .     127 

Cactus,    .     .     . 

155 

Pentandria,   . 

119 

Apple,      .     .  74,  158 

Calicium,      .     . 

221 

Hexandria,    . 

132 

Areca,      .     .     .     202 

Callitriche,  .     . 

16 

Heptandria,  . 

139 

Arenaria,      .     .     150 

Calyptra,       .     . 

57 

Octandria, 

141 

Aristolochia,     .     196 

Calyx,      .     .     . 

55 

Enneandria,  . 

143 

Arethusa,     .     .     195 

Camellia,      .     . 

177 

Decandria,     . 

140 

Artemisia,    .     .     190 

Campanula, 

125 

Dodecandria, 

151 

Arnotto,  .     .     .     165 

Camphor,      .     . 

144 

Icosandria,    . 

154 

Arms  of  plants,        48 

Candle  berry,     . 

207 

Polyandria,    . 

161 

Artichoke,    .     .     189 

Capitum,     "  .     . 

70 

Didynarnia,    . 

167 

Arrow-head,     .     200 

Caper,          .    . 

162 

Tetradynamia, 

170 

VI 


INDEX. 


Munadelphia,      171 

Dicotyledonous 

Gentian,  .     .     .     127 

Diadelphia,    .     179 

plants,  .     . 

250 

Geranium,    .     .     175 

Polyadelphia,      184 
Syngenesia,  •     185 

Didynamia,  .     . 
Digitalis,       .     . 

167 
169 

Germen,  ...       54 
Ginger,     .     .     .     107 

Gynandria,    .     193 

Dioecia,    .     .     . 

205 

Gland,      .     .  51,  277 

Monoecia,       .     197 

Dionaea,    .     t   '.' 

148 

Glume,     ...       50 

Dioecia,     .     .     205 

Dipsacus,      .     . 

no 

Goat's  beard,     .     188 

Polygamia,    .     210 

Distribution  of 

Gossypium,       .     176 

C  ry  ptogamia,     213 

seeds,    .     . 

82 

Gourd,      ...       50 

Clove,      ...     157 

Dock,       .     .     . 

138 

Gymnospermia, 

Clover,     .     .     .     183 

Dodecandria,     . 

151 

107,  232 

Club  mosses,     .     210 

Dogwood,     .     . 

117 

Gynandria,  .          193 

Cocoa  nut,    .     .     200 

Down,      ... 

77 

H. 

Cochlearia,  .     .     171 

Dragon  root, 

202 

Hamamelis,       .     118 

Coffee,     ...     125 

Drupe,      .     .     . 

73 

Heath,     ...     141 

Colchicum,  .     .     138 

Duckmeat,  .     10, 

198 

Hedysarutn,      .     182 

Compound  flower,  60 

E. 

Helianthus,  .     .     191 

Coml'rey,      .     .     120 

Egg  plant,    .     . 

124 

Heptandria,       .     139 

Concentric  lay- 

Elder,     ... 

129 

Hexandria,        .     132 

ers,       .     .     205 

Embryo,  .     .     . 

70 

Hibiscus,  .  .     .     170 

Cone,       ...       75 

Endogenous 

Hieracium,  .     .     189 

Convolvulus,     .     124 

plants,  .     . 

231 

Hilum,     ...       77 

Corolla,         .     53,  58 

Enneandria, 

143 

Holly,      ...     188 

monopetalous,  59 

Erica,       .     .     . 

141 

Hollyhock,  .     .     170 

polypetalous,    GO 

Erodium,      ^  .  •« 

174 

Honey  locust,    .       50 

Cornus,   .     .     .     117 

Euchroma,   .  V' 

49 

Hop,    ....     208 

Corymb,  ...       09 

Euphorbia,    .     . 

153 

Horse  Chestnut 

Corypha,      .     .       41 

Examination  of 

80,  139 

Cotton,     .     .     .     170 

plants,  .     . 

103 

Horsetails,  .     .     210 

Cotyledonous 

Exogenous  plants 

231 

House  leek,       .     154 

plants,  .      253-4 

F. 

Humulus,     .     .     208 

Cry  ptogamia,    .     213 

Fall  of  the  leaf,  . 

45 

Hyacinth,     .     .     137 

Crane's  bill,      .     175 

Fan  Palm,     .     . 

41 

Hydrangea,  .     .     149 

Crithmum,   .     .     128 

Fecula,    . 

252 

Hygrometer,      .       57 

Crocus,    ...     112 

Ferns,      .     .     . 

214 

Hygrometic  oat,       57 

Cucumber,    .     .     205 

Fibre  vegetable, 

251 

I.—  J. 

Cucurbita,     .     .     205 

Fibrils,     ... 

207 

[cosandria,   .     .     154 

Culm,      ;;     .     .       24 

Ficus,       .     .     . 

212 

[lex,     ....     118 

Curcuma,      .     .     107 

Flags,       .     .     . 

219 

[nflorescence,    .       67 

Custard  apple,  .     106 

Flax,    .     .     .     . 

131 

tnvolucre,     .    55,  180 

Cutis,  ....     263 

Flower,    .     .     . 

55 

Ipecac,     .     .     .     154 

Cynara,    .     .     .     189 

aggregate, 

87 

Lris,          ...     112 

Cymbidium,       .     196 

compound, 

80 

Irritability  of  plants, 

Cypripedium,    .     190 

Folium,    .     .     . 

27 

44 

1). 

Follicle,   .     .     . 

73 

[ndigo  plant,      .     183 

Daffodil,       .     .     133 

Foot  stalk,    .     . 

20 

Japan  rose,        .     177 

Dahlia,    ...     191 
Daphne,  ...     142 

Fox  glove,    .    . 
Fraxinus,      .     . 

109 
212 

Jeffersonia,  .     .     142 
K. 

Datura,    .     .     .     121 

Frond,      .    .     . 

27 

Kalmia,  .     .     45,  148 

Decandria,   .     .     140 

Fruit,       .     .     . 

70 

Kelp,       ...     219 

Delphinum,  .     .     105 

Fumaria.  .     .    . 

179 

L. 

Diadelphia,  .     .     179 

G. 

Lactuca,  .     .     .     188 

Diandria,      .     .  .  108 

Gems,      .     . 

78 

Ladies'  Slipper,     190 

Dianthua,     .     .     14$ 

Genera,   . 

97 

Larkspur,     .          165 

INDEX. 


Latbyrus,    .     .     180 

Mushrooms, 

222 

Phaseolus,  .     .160 

Laurel,    ...     148 

Myrica,    .     .     . 

207 

Physiology,  Vege- 

Laurus,  .     .     .     142 

Myristica, 

210 

table,    .     .     250 

Layers,  concen- 

Myrtle,   .     .     . 

157 

Phytolacca,       .     15  1 

tric,      .     .     265 

N. 

Phoenix,        .     .     207 

Leaf,       ...       27 

Names  of  plants, 

97 

Pine  Apple,       .     134 

simple,      .     .       28 

Narcissus,   .     . 

133 

Pinus,                .     203 

Leaves,  compound,  34 

Natural  system, 

227 

Pink,                  .     149 

Observation  on,   40 

Nasturtium,   141, 

170 

Piper,                .     110 

Small,       .     .       40 

Nectary,       .     . 

61 

Pith,  .               .     262 

Large,       .     .       41 

Neottia,        .     . 

195 

Pistia,               .       17 

Functions  of,       42 

Nepenthes,  .     . 

47 

Pistil,                54,  64 

Fall  of,     .     .       45 

Nepeta,  .     .     . 

168 

Pisum,               .     180 

Evergreen,    .       45 

Nicotiana,    .     . 

121 

Plantain  tree,   .     133 

Structure  of,      217 

Nightshade, 

122 

Plantago,      .     .     117 

Leaves,  pores  of,  274 

Nut,   .... 

74 

Plants,  absorp- 

Legume,      .     .       73 

Nutmeg,       .     . 

210 

tion  of       .     277 

Lemna,    .     .     .     198 

Nutriment  of 

nutriment  of,  277 

Lettuce,       .     .     188 

plants,  .     . 

277 

Plumula,      .     .       76 

Liber,      .     .     .     264 

Nymphsea,  .     . 

164 

Pod,    ....       72 

Lichens,       .     .     220 

6. 

Poke,       ...     151 

Lilac,       .     .     .     110 

Oat,    .... 

113 

Poppy,     .     .     .     162 

Lily,        ...     135 

Oak,   ..... 

201 

Populus,       .     .     208 

Linnaean  system,     96 

Octandria,    J  '"'.'' 

141 

Polyanthus,       .     135 

Linnaea,  .     .     .     169 

Olea,       .     .     . 

108 

Polyandria,       .     151 

Linum,    .     .     .     131 

Olive,      .     .     . 

108 

Polydelphia,     .     184 

Liriodendron,   .     1  65 

Onion,     .     .     . 

137 

Poly  gala,      .     .     179 

Liverwort,  .     .     218 

Orange,   .     .     . 

184 

Polygamia,  .     .     210 

Lobelia,  ...     125 

Origin  of  branches  269 

Polygonum,       .     143 

Lvcopodium,     .     216 

Orders,    .     .     . 

96 

Polypetalous 

M. 

Orchis,    .     .     . 

194 

plants,  .     .     237 

Madder,       .     .     117 

Oryza,     .     .';  :' 

137 

Polypody,     .     .     215 

Magnolia,     .     .     160 

Osmunda,     .     . 

215 

Potato,     ...     123 

Mahogany,  .     .     147 

Oxalis,    .     .     . 

150 

Pothos,    .     .     .     116 

Mangrove,    .     .       22 

P. 

Prickle,  ...       50 

Maple,     .     .     .     211 
Mesembryanthe- 

Palm,       .     .     . 
of  Berlin, 

41 

66 

Prickly  pear,    .     155 
Primrose,     .     .     120 

mum,     .     .     159 

Pandanus,    .     . 

206 

Primula,       .     .     120 

Medicago,    .     .     183 

Panicle,        .     . 

69 

Proteus,       .     .     115 

Medullary  rays,     265 

Papaver,       .     . 

162 

Prunus,  .     .     .     157 

Membrane,  vege- 

Pappus, .     .     . 

77 

Pyrus,     .     .     .     158 

table,    .     .251 

Papyrus,       .     . 

113 

Pterocarpus,     .     180 

Mignonette,       .     152 

Parnass:a,    .     . 

131 

Pubescence,     .       51 

Mimosa,  ...       44 

Passion  flower, 

173 

Q. 

Milk-weed,        .     126 

Pea,    .... 

180 

Quassia,       .     .     148 

Monkey  cup,     .       47 

Peach,     .     :-7' 

157 

Quercus,      .     .     201 

Monadelphia,    .     171 

Pear,       .     .     . 

158 

R. 

Monandria,  .     .     107 

Peduncle,     .     i1'1 

25 

Raceme,       .     .       68 

Monoecia,      .          197 

Pericarp,      .     . 

71 

Radicle,        .     .       76 

Monocotyledo- 

Pelargonium,    . 

173 

Ranunculus,     .     167 

nous  plants,    254 

Perianth,      .     . 

55 

Rays,  medullary,  265 

Mosses,        .     .     217 

Pentandria,     :^!1 

119 

Receptacle,       .       86 

Mullein,       .     .     121 

Pepper,  .     .  -  ?.' 

110 

Red  Pepper,     .     124 

Musa,      .     .     .     133  Petiole,  . 

26  Reseda,".     '.     .     152 

Vlll 


INDEX. 


Returning  vessels  26  1  ' 

Siliqua,   ...       72 

Triandria,    .     .     Ill 

Rhododendron  45,  149 

Smilax.  ...     208 

Trientalis,    .     .     140 

Rheum,   .          .     145 

Solatium,      .     .     12x3 

Triticum,      .     .     113 

Rhubarb,           .     145 

Solidago,      .          190 

Tuberose,     .     .     135 

Rhus,       .          .130 

Spadix,    ...       69 

Tulip,       .         .136 

Rice,       .         .     137 

Spat  he,    ...       56 

Tulip  tree,    .     .     165 

Robinia,            .     181 

Spike,      ...       68 

Turmeric,     .     .     107 

Root,       .         0,  266 

Spine,      ...       50 

Tropo2olum,      .     141 

annual,          .         9 

Spiral  vessels,       259 

Trifolium,    .     .     183 

biennial,         .        9 

Spongioles,  .     .     278 

Trunk,     ...       18 

granulated     .       13 

Stalk  of  the  leaf,     26 

Typha,     ...     198 

fusiform,        .       10 

Stamens,      .     53,  64 

U. 

perennial,      .       10 

Stapelia,      .     .     127 

Umbel,     ...       76 

premorse,      .       11 

Statice,        .     .     131 

Umbelliferous 

branched,      .       1  1 

Stem,      ...       18 

tribe,  .     68,  128 

fibrous,     .     .       12 

branched,      .       21 

V. 

bulbous,    .     .       13 

naked,       .     .       21 

Valerian,      .     .     112 

truncated,      .       13 

Stem,  perfoliate,     22 

Varieties,     .     .       99 

scaly,  ...       14 

Stigma,    ...       54 

Vasculares,       .     237 

repent,      .     .       15 

Stipe,       .     .     27,  49 

Vascular  plants,     253 

Rootlets,      .     .     267 

Stork's  Bill,      .     173 

Vegetable  Physi- 

Rose,      .     .     .     160 

Stipule,        .     .      49 

ology,    .     .     250 

Rosemary,   .     .     109 
Rosemarinus,   .     109 

Stramonium,     .     121 
Strawberry,      .       74 

Vegetable  fibre,    251 
glands,       .     .     276 

Rubia,     .     .     .     117 

Strobilus,     .     .       75 

membrane,     .     251 

Ruscus,  .     .     .     209 

Structure,  cellu- 

tissue,      .     .     276 

Rumex,  ...     138 

lar,  ...     257 

Verbascum,  .     .     121 

S. 

Style,      •     .     .       54 

Verticil  late,      .       68 

Saccbarum,       .     114 

Sun  flower,       .     191 

Vessels,  conduct- 

Sage,      .     .     .     109 

Sugar,     .     .     .     114 

ing.,        .     .     259 

Saggittaria,       .     200 

Sumach,       .     .     130 

annular,    .     .     25? 

Salvia,     .     .     .     109 

Swetenia,     .     .     147 

beaded,     .     .     261 

Salirornia,  .     .     103 

Syringa,  .     .     .     110 

spiral,       .     .     259 

Saliv,      .     .     .     206 

Syngenesia,      .     185 

punctuated,  .     260 

herbacea,       .       19 

T 

reticulated,    .     260 

Salsify,         .     .     188 

Tamarind,    .     .     172 

returning,      .     261 

Sambucus,   .     .     129 

Tea,    ....     177 

Vetch,      ...     181 

Samphire,      108,  128 

Teazle,        .     .     116 

Viburnum,    .     .     130 

Sap,  vessels,     .     257 

Tendril,       .     .       50 

Vicia,      .     .    .     181 

aeration  of,    .     281 

Tetradynamia,       170 

Violet,     .     .     .     103 

Sarracenia,       .       48 

Tetrandria,       .     115 

Volva,      ...       57 

Scape,     ...       25 

Thistle,  ...     188 

W. 

Scoke,     .     .     .     151 

Thorn,    ...       50 

Wheat,    ...     113 

Sea  lavender,  .     131 

Thyrsus,      .     .       69 

Willow,  .     .     .     206 

Seed,      ...       75 

Thornapple,      .     121 

Witch-hazel,    .     118 

distribution  of,     82 

Tigerflower,     .     171 

Wormwood,      .     190 

Sempervium,    .     154 

Tillandsia  ..     47,  134 

Wrapper,      .     .       57 

Sensitive  plant,       44 

Tilia,       ...     165 

X. 

Side-saddle 

Tissue,  vegetable  251 

Xanthorhiza,     .     132 

flower,      48,  163 

Tobacco,     .     .     121 

Z. 

Silicic,    ...      73 

Tomato,       .     .     123 

Zinziber,      .    .     107 

Silver  tree,  .     .     106 

Tragopagon,     .     188 

j 

INTRODUCTION 


BOTANY 


THE  ROOT.     (Radix.) 

IN  our  description  of  the  several  parts  of  a  plant,  we  shall 
follow  the  order  of  nature,  beginning  with  the  root  and  end- 
ing with  the  seed. 

The  root  is  the  foundation  or  basis  of  all  perfectly  formed 
plants.  It  is  the  part  first  produced  from  the  seed,  and  is 
called  the  descending  part  of  the  plant.  This  part  serves  the 
double  purpose  of  fixing  the  plant  to  the  earth,  or  in  its  place, 
and  generally  of  imbibing  nourishment  for  its  growth. 

In  some  instances,  the  inferior  plants,  or  those  which  are 
considered,  in  relation  to  botany,  as  imperfectly  formed,  do 
not  derive  their  nourishment  from  their  roots.  Such  are 
some  of  the  Flags  or  Sea-weeds.  There  are  also  many 
plants,  which,  though  they  absorb  their  nourishment  by  means 
of  their  roots,  are  not  fixed  to  the  ground,  but  cling  to  other 
trees  ;  these  are  called  parasites. 

Roots,  in  respect  to  duration,  are  either  annual,  biennial,  or 
perennial. 

Annual  roots  produce  their  herbage,  flowers,  and  seeds, 
within  the  compass  of  a  year,  or  season,  after  which  they 
decay  and  return  to  the  dust.  Example,  Potato,  (Solarium,) 
Cucumber,  (Cucumis.) 

Biennial  roots  are  such  as  produce  herbage,  but  not  seeds, 
during  the  first  season.  These  live  through  the  winter,  and 
produce  their  flowers  and  fruit  during  the  second  season. 
Some  biennial  plants  remain  green  through  the  winter,  as 
Wheat ;  while  the  stalks  of  others  decay,  like  those  of  annual 
plants,  their  roots  only  living  in  the  ground,  and  producing 

What  part  of  the  plant  is  the  root  ?  What  are  the  uses  of  the  roots  ? 
Do  all  plants  deiive  their  nourishment  by  means  of  their  roots  1  What  are 
annual  roots  1  What  are  biennial  roots  1 


stalks,  flowers,  and  fruit,  the  next  summer.     Examples.    Car- 
rot. Parsnip,  arid  Cabbage.     These  decay  the  second  year. 

Perennial  roots  produce  herbage,  flowers,  and  seeds  during 
many  successive  years,  or  for  an  indefinite  period  of  time. 
Ex.  Oak,  Chestnut,  Pear  and  Orange. 

Some  trees  continue  to  live,  grow,  and  bear  new  leaves,, 
flowers,  and  fruit,  for  hundreds  of  years.  Such  are  the  Ce- 
dar, Oak.  and  Olive. 

Roots  are  distinguished  by  botanists  into  several  kinds,  de- 
pending on  their  shapes. 

Fusiform,  or  spindle  root,  Fig.  1,  (Radix  fusifor-  Fis- 
mis)  from  fusus,  a  spindle.  This  root  is  thick 
above,  or  near  the  surface  of  the  earth,  but  gradu- 
ally diminishes  as  it  shoots  into  the  ground.  It  is 
generally  simple,  or  consists  of  one  undivided  piece, 
but  is  sometimes  branched  towards  the  lower  ex- 
tremity. Ex.  Parsnip,  Carrot,  Beet,  and  Radish. 

Although  the  bulky  part  of  the  Carrot  and  Beet 
is  commonly  termed  the  root,  yet  the  true  roots,  be- 
ing the  parts  which  absorb  the  nourishment  of  the 
plant  from  the  earth,  consists  only  of  the  small  fibres 
which  are  thrown  out  from  the  main  body.  In  pe- 
rennial roots,  or  trees,  these  fibres  are  renewed,  or  new  ones 
are  produced  every  year.  In  our  climate  these  parts  are  pro- 
duced early  in  the  spring,  beginning  to  shoot  nearly  as  soon 
as  the  frost  leaves  the  ground  ;  hence  the  best  time  for  trans- 
planting trees  is  in  the  autumn,  when  the  old  fibres  have 
ceased  to  absorb  nourishment,  and  may  be  torn  away  or  left 
in  the  ground  without  injury,  while  the  new  ones  have  not 
yet  begun  to  spring. 

The  changes  produced  by  cultivation  on  many  roots,  are 
no  less  than  that  of  converting  an  acrid,  poisonous  substance 
into  wholesome,  nutritious  food.  Thus  the  wild  Parsnip,  and 
Carrot,  shoot  up  large  stems,  which  contain  a  sharp,  acrid 
juice,  while  their  roots  are  deleterious,  and  at  the  same  time 
so  hard  and  dry,  as  rather  to  partake  of  the  nature  of  wood, 
than  of  the  pulpy,  nutritious  substance  of  the  cultivated  kind. 

What  are  perennial  roots  1  What  is  the  form  of  a  fusiform  root  ?  What 
arc  examples  !  What  parts  constitute  the  true  roots  of  plants  1  How  often 
are  these  true  roots  renewed  ]  When  is.  the  best  time  for  transplanting 
trees,  and  why  1 


THE    ROOT. 


.11 


Abrupt,  or  Premorse  root,  Fig.  2, 
(Radix  premorsa.}  This  root  termi- 
nates abruptly,  as  though  it  had  been 
bitten  off,  and  hence  its  name,  premorse, 
signifying  bitten.  Ex.  Primrose,  (Pri- 
mula,}  Devil's  bit,  (Scabiosa  succisa,} 
Violet,  (Viola  pedata.)  These  roots 
are  not  however  uniformly,  or  always, 
premorse,  for  it  is  a  curious  fact  that 
this  is  only  the  case  after  the  plant  is 
more  than  a  year  old.  During  the  first  1  / 

year,  the  root  is  fusiform,  after  which  y 

it  becomes  woody,  the  lower  part  de- 
cays arid  separates,  giving  the  remainder  an  eroded  or  bitten 
appearance.     Afterwards    new    lateral    branches    shoot    out 
from  the  premorse  root,  to  compensate  for  the  decayed  part, 
and  by  these  the  plant  afterwards  receives   its  nourishment. 

Branched  root,  Fig.  3,  (Radix  ramosa.) 
This  is  perhaps  the  most  common  of  all 
the  roots.  It  is  divided  into  numerous 
ramifications,  or  branches,  like  the  limbs 
of  a  tree,  and  trees  properly  so  called,  as 
well  as  many  annual  and  biennial  plants, 
have  this  kind  of  root.  The  structure  of 
the  ramose  root  differs  little  from  the 
branches  of  the  tree  itself. 

For  the  purpose  of  illustration,  branch- 
es may  be  considered  as  roots  growing 
in  the  air,  and  roots  as  branches  growing 
in  the  ground.  Indeed,  in  certain  cases, 
these  organs  may  be  mutually  converted  into  each  other,  for 
there  are  many  trees,  which  being  pulled  up  by  the  roots  and 
inverted,  will  continue  to  grow.  That  is,  their  tops  being 
buried  in  the  earth,  will  shoot  out  fibres  and  become  roots, 
while  their  roots,  being  elevated  in  the  air,  will  become  cov- 
ered with  leaves  and  produce  fruit.  A  limb  of  common  Wil- 
low, and  perhaps  of  other  species  of  Salix.  being  inverted 
and  set  into  the  damp  earth,  grows  perfectly  well.  If  both 
ends  be  set  in  the  ground  in  form  of  a  half  circle,  each  will 
take  root,  and  the  branches  will  spring  from  between  them. 

What  is  the  form  of  a  premorse  root  1  Why  is  this  root  called  premorse  * 
How  are  premorse  roots  formed!  What  is  a  branched  roof?  What  is 
said  about  the  mutual  conversion  of  branches  into  roots,  and  roots  into 
tranches  'I 


\£  THE    ROOT. 

Practical  gardeners  follow  this  principle  when  they  bury  the 
limbs  of  shrubs,  until  they  take  root,  by  bending  down  the 
body  of  the  tree  ;  after  which,  each  limb  being  severed  from 
the  parent,  forms  a  new  tree.  This  is  termed  propagation  by 
layers. 

In  China,  trees  are  divided  and  multiplied  on  the  same  prin- 
ciple, but  in  a  manner  somewhat  different.  For  this  purpose, 
a  circle  of  the  bark,  an  inch  or  two  in  length,  is  removed 
from  the  limb  which  it  is  intended  should  form  the  future  tree, 
as  at  b,  Fig.  4. 

This  is  done  in  Fis-  4. 

the  spring,  and 
the  part  so  left 
naked  is  imme- 
diately covered 
with  a  ball  of 
moist  earth,  which  is  kept  in  its  place  by  a  slip  of  matting, 
or  other  means.  Over  the  ball  of  earth  is  suspended  a  ves- 
sel of  water,  with  a  small  orifice  in  its  bottom,  through  which 
the  water  passes  in  just  sufficient  quantity  to  keep  the  earth 
constantly  moist.  In  the  autumn,  it  will  be  found  that  many 
small  roots  from  the  lirnb  have  shot  into  the  earth.  The 
branch  is  then  sawn  off  just  below  this  part,  and  set  into  the 
ground  ;  and  it  is  said  that  if  the  branch  has  borne  fruit,  it 
will  continue  to  do  so  the  next  year,  and  that  in  this  manner, 
dwarfs  of  the  smallest  .sizes  may  easily  be  formed. 

Fibrous  root,  Fig.  5.  (Radix  fibrosa.}  This 
root  is  common  to  many  annual  plants,  and 
to  most  of  the  grasses.  The  fibres  are  com- 
monly thickly  branched,  and  where  they 
grow  in  a  light  sandy  soil,  these  are  covered 
with  other  fibres  so  small  as  to  resemble 
down.  Dr.  Smith  suggests  that  these  are 
provided,  not  only  to  fix  the  plant  more 
strongly  in  a  light  soil,  but  also  to  present 
more  points  of  absorption  where  the  nourishment  is  small  in 
quantity. 

How  are  dwarf  trees  said  to  be  formed  in  China  1  What  is  a  fibrous 
root  ]  Why  are  the  fibres  increased  in  a  light  sandy  soil  1  What  is  th« 
form  of  a  tuberous  or  knotted  root  1 

What  is  a  moniliform  root  ?  What  is  the  form  of  a  granulated  root '. 
What  is  the  form  of  a  palmated  root  1  What  is  the  difference  between 
the  scaly  bulb  and  solid  bulb  1  What  kind  of  root  is  the  onion  1 


THE    ROOT. 


13 


Tuberous,  or  Knotted  root,  Fig.  6,  (Ra- 
dix tuberosa.)  The  best  examples  con- 
sist of  knobs,  connected  together  by 
strings  or  fibres.  Some  of  these  are  pe- 
rennial, as  the  Jerusalem  artichoke,  (He- 
liantkus  tuberosus.)  Others  are  annual, 
as  the  Potato,  (Solanum  tuberosum.) 

Necklace,  or  Moniliform  root.  This  is 
a  tuberous  root  so  regularly  connected  together  by  its  inter- 
vening cords,  as  to  resemble  a  necklace.  Hence  the  name 
moniliform,  from  monile,  a  necklace. 

Fig.  * 

Sometimes  many  small  tubers  or  knots, 
grow  in  clusters,  or  are  scattered  on  the 
radical  fibres,  in  a  manner  resembling 
grains.  These  are  called  granulated  roots, 
Fig.  7,  (Radix  granulata.}  Many  of  the 
grasses  have  this  kind  of  root,  also  Wood- 
sorrel,  (Oxalis  acetosella.) 


Hand-shaped,  or  Palmated  root,  Fig.  8, 
(Radix  palmata.}  This  consists  of  oblong 
fleshy  tubers,  which  are  connected  above, 
but  parted  below,  into  divisions  resembling 
the  fingers.  Ex.  Orchis,  Dahlia. 


Bulbous   root,   (Radix    bulbosa.)     These    are    of   several 
kinds,  viz. 

Fig.  9. 


Solid  bulb,  Fig.  9,  consisting  of  a  uniform, 
fleshy  substance.  Ex.  Crocus,  Erythronium, 
Turnip.  These  differ  from  tuberous  roots  in 
there  being  only  one  tuber  attached  to  a  plant, 
and  in  other  respects,  as  will  be  seen  directly. 

Tunicated  root,  Fig.  10.  This  consists  of  ma- 
ny concentric  layers  placed  one  over,  or  without 
trie  other.  Ex.  Onion,  (Allium  cepa.) 


Many  plants  with  solid  bulbs  inhabit  sandy  bar- 
ren places,  and  over  the  face  of  which  they  are  dissemina 


I'l  THE    ROOT. 

ted  by  the  winds,  after  their  flowering  season.     This  is  the 
case  with  the  grass  called  Pna  bnlbosa. 

Fig  11 

Scaly  bulb,  Fig.  11,  (Bulbus  squamosus.) 
Consisting  of  scales  connected  only  at  the 
base,  and  which  overlay  each  other.  Ex. 
White  Lily,  (Lilium  condidum.) 

Sometimes  many  small  bulbs  are  enclosed 
in  the  same  coating,  as  in  the  common  Gar- 
lic, (AUium  sativum.) 

Bulbs  are  consideredin  their  nature,  analo- 
gous to  buds.  They  are  the  reservoirs  which 
keep  the  germs  of  the  future  plants  during  the 
winter.  In  a  few  instances  bulbs  grow  on  the  stalks  of  the 
plant,  and  falling  on  the  ground  take  root,  and  produce  per- 
fect plants.  This  is  the  case  of  the  Orange  Lily,  (Lilium 
bulbiferum,}  which  contains  small  buds  in  the  axilla  of  each 
leaf.  In  general,  the  bulb  dies  on  the  approach  of  winter, 
the  species  being  continued  by  the  production  of  new  ones, 
which  are  nourished  by  the  remains  of  the  old. 

Many  bulbous  roots  form  important  articles  of  food.  In 
Africa  several  roots  of  this  kind  are  in  common  use,  and  in 
some  parts  of  Italy,  it  is  said  that  tulip  roots  are  employed 
for  the  same  purpose  among  the  poor.  Among  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Kamptschatka,  the  bulb  of  a  certain  kind  of  lily  is  of 
the  highest  consequence  as  an  article  of  food.  At  the  time 
of  its  flowering,  the  ground  in  some  places,  is  entirely  cov- 
ered by  its  blossoms.  At  the  proper  season,  the  bulbs  are 
gathered,  dried  in  the  sun,  and  thus  prepared  for  use.  They 
are  afterwards  baked  or  dried  still  more  by  artificial  heat, 
and  then  reduced  to  powder,  and  of  this  the  best  bread  of 
these  poor  people  is  made.  These  bulbs  are  also  eaten  both 
boiled  and  roasted. 

Almost  all  nations  are  acquainted  with  the  bulbs  of  the 
Onion,  Leek,  and  Garlic.  It  is  most  probable  that  Egypt  is 
the  native  country  of  the  Onion,  and  perhaps  of  the  others 
also.  In  the  most  ancient  of  historical  records,  these  roots 
are  spoken  of  as  articles  of  food,  and  are  mentioned  among 
the  luxuries,  the  want  of  which,  the  children  of  Israel  so 
bitterly  deplored  after  their  departure  from  the  land  of  Egypt- 

What  is  the  form  of  a  scaly  bulb  1  In  what  respect  are  bulbs  analo- 
gous to  buds  ?  In  what  instance  does  the  bulb  grow  on  the  stalk  of  the 
plant  ?  What  is  said  of  the  bulbous  roots  as  articles  of  food  ?  What  bulb 
ous  roots  are  mentioned  in  the  most  ancient  historical  records  ? 


THE    ROOT  15 

•'  And  the  children  of  Israel  also  wept  again,  and  said,  who 
shall  give  us  flesh  to  eat  ?  We  remember  the  fish  which  we 
did  eat  in  Egypt  freely ;  the  cucumbers  and  the  melons,  and 
the  leeks,  and  the  onions,  and  the  garlic." — Numbers,  chap.  xi. 

The  onions  of  Egypt  are  said  by  travellers  to  be  highly 
delicious  and  savory,  and  almost  entirely  without  that  strong 
nauseous  flavor,  which  renders  them  so  disagreeable  to  many 
persons  in  other  countries.  It  is  also  stated  that  the  onions 
of  that  country  are  of  a  very  pure  white — that  they  are  con- 
stantly exposed  for  sale  in  the  streets,  dressed  or  cooked  in 
various  ways,  and  that  they  form  the  chief  sustenance  of  the 
poor.  The  leek  is  also  in  high  estimation  among  the  people 
of  Egypt  at  the  present  day  ;  a  few  bulbs  of  this  root,  and  a 
little  bread,  forming  the  favorite  dinner  of  the  lower  classes. 

Repent,  or  Creeping  root, 
Fig.  12,  (Radix repens.)  This 
root  creeps  along  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  ground,  or  just 
under  it,  and  throws  out 
fibres  at  various  intervals.  Ex. 
Mint,  (Mentha,}  Strawberry, 
(Fragaria.) 

This  kind  of  root  is  exceedingly  tenacious  of  life,  so  much 
so,  that  if  any  portion  be  thrown  upon  the  ground,  in  a  moist 
place,  it  will  shoot  out  new  fibres,  and  finally  become  a  per- 
fect plant  of  its  species.  The  well  known  Couch  or  Squitch 
grass,  (Tricicum  repens,}  is  to  gardeners  a  most  troublesome 
example  of  this  kind  of  root.  It  is  found  in  nearly  every 
country,  always  preferring  the  best  soil,  and  creeping  into 
places  where  it  is  least  wanted.  Its  root  has  a  sweetish  taste, 
and  though  generally  so  mischievous,  has  occasionally  been 
used  for  food  in  times  of  scarcity.  In  Italy,  and  in  some 
parts  of  France,  this  root  is  collected  by  the  poor,  and  sold 
as  food  for  horses. 

The  Repent  root,  though  often  so  vexatious  to  gardeners, 
is  highly  useful  to  others.  The  very  existence  of  Holland  is 
said  to  depend  on  the  growth  of  this  kind  of  root.  That  coun- 
try, it  is  well  known,  is  surrounded  by  dikes,  or  dams,  which 
prevent  the  inundation  of  the  sea.  The  earth  of  which  these 
dikes  are  composed,  is  bound  together  by  various  creeping 
roots,  so  firmly  as  to  enable  them  to  resist,  the  action  of  the 

What  is  said  of  the  delicious  taste  of  the  onions  of  Egypt  ?  What  are 
examples  of  the  repent  root  ? 


16 


THE    ROOT. 


water,  and  prevent  them  from  being  washed  away,  and  the 
whole  country  overflown, — a  striking  proof  that  these  hum 
ble,  and  sometimes  vexatious  plants,  were,  on  the  whole,  cre- 
ated with  a  beneficent  intention  to  man. 

Many  other  plants,  which  in  some  situations,  appear  not 
only  useless,  but  pernicious,  as  occupying  the  soil,  and  thus 
preventing  the  growth  of  useful  plants,  are,  still,  under  other 
circumstances,  of  great  importance  to  man.  Thus  the  trav- 
eller Hasselquist,  in  his  voyage  to  Egypt,  mentions  a  small 
reed,  which,  though  of  no  apparent  use  in  ordinary  situations, 
is  of  the  highest  consequence  on  the  banks  of  the  Nile. 
The  very  soil  of  Egypt,  says  this  traveller,  is  owing  to  the 
presence  of  this  plant,  for  its  matted  roots  have  stopped  the 
earth  which  floated  in  the  water  of  that  river,  and  thus  has 
been  formed  a  large  portion  of  habitable  country. 

Floating  plants. — The  roots  we  have  heretofore  described, 
are  attached  to  the  earth,  from  which  they  draw  nourishment 
for  the  growth  of  the  plants.  In  all  plants  of  any  considera- 
ble size,  it  is  obvious  that  this  must  be  universally  the  case. 
There  are,  however,  some  plants  whose  roots  are  not  fixed  to 
any  solid  substance,  but  float  in  the  water,  from  which,  there- 
fore, they  must  receive  their  nourishment.  The  plant  called 
Duck-Meat,  (Lemna  minor,)  Fig.  13, 
is  of  this  kind.  This  minute  plant 
is  found  in  ditches,  with  its  green 
leaves  swimming  on  the  surface  of 
the  water,  which  it  often  covers  in 
patches.  Its  thread-like  roots  hang 
suspended  from  the  under  surfaces 
of  the  leaves,  and  this  constitutes 
the  whole  plant. 

There  is  another  small  plant  which  grows  with  the  Duck- 
Meat,  and  which,  while  young,  has  floating  roots.  This  is 
the  Water  Star  grass,  (Callitriche  aquatica.)  Before  this  lit- 
tle plant  flowers,  its  roots  are  suspended  in  the  water,  and 
from  which,  therefore,  it  must  draw  its  entire  nourishment. 
But  it  is  a  fact  well  known  to  botanists,  that  few  plants  of 
any  kind  will  produce  perfect  seeds,  when  nourished  by  wa- 
ter alone ;  and  nature  has  made  a  singular  and  curious  pro- 
vision, with  respect  to  this  plant,  on  this  account.  After  the 

In  what  situations  are  repent  roots  particularly  useful  to  mankind  ? 
What  is  said  of  the  use  of  a  small  reed  on  the  banks  of  the  Nile  ?  What 
's  said  of  floating  roots  ? 


Fig.  13. 


THE    ROOT.  17 

flower  begins  to  decay,  the  roots,  instead  of  remaining  sus- 
pended as  before,  strike  down  into  the  mud,  and  finally  the 
whole  plant  is  drawn  to  the  bottom,  where  its  seeds  ripen. 
These  seeds  rising  to  the  surface,  germinate,  and  in  their 
turn,  produce  a  new  progeny,  which  floats  there  until  having 
perfected  their  flowers,  they  sink  to  the  bottom,  where,  like 
their  ancestors,  they  ripen  their  seeds.  The  Floating  Liver- 
wort, (Riccia  natans,)  is  another  swimming  plant.  Its  frond, 
or  leaf,  is  nearly  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  divided  into  chan- 
nels. Some  plants  even  swim  about  at  random  in  the  water 
where  they  were  produced,  and  continue  to  grow  on  their 
journeys.  This  is  the  case  with  that  sea  plant  called  Gulf- 
weed,  by  sailors,  and  Fucus  natans  by  botanists.  It  is  found 
in  the  Gulf  of  Florida,  and  in  the  Gulf  stream,  and  other 
parts  of  the  ocean,  floating  in  masses  or  fields  many  miles  in 
extent. 

Other  plants  which  were  originally  attached  to  the  soil, 
are  occasionally  loosed  from  their  situations  and  float  to  great 
distances,  being  driven  by  winds  or  currents.  The  Water 
house-leek,  (Ptstia  stratiotes,)  is  of  this  kind.  It  is  common 
in  Georgia  and  Florida,  in  the  U.  States,  and  in  the  East  and 
West  Indies.  This  plant  has  some  resemblance  to  garden 
lettuce,  but  has  very  different  habits  It  grows  near  the 
shores  of  lakes  and  rivers,  covering  their  surfaces  for  miles 
in  extent.  Its  roots  are  long,  and  generally  strike  into  the 
mud,  or  reach  the  half  decayed  logs  at  the  bottom.  Some- 
times large  fields  of  this  plant  are  detached,  either  by  the 
sudden  rising  of  the  rivers,  or  by  a  strong  wind  on  the  lakes, 
and  are  thus  transported  from  one  place  to  another,  often  to 
great  distances.  Bartram,  in  the  account  of  his  travels  in 
Florida,  gives  a  very  picturesque  description  of  these  floating 
meadows  which  he  saw  there. 

Plants  without  Roots. — Some  plants  live  and  thrive  almost 
entirely  without  roots,  and  consequently  absorb  their  nourish- 
ment from  the  air  by  means  of  their  leaves.  As  every  plant 
is  fitted  for  its  situation  by  peculiar  organs  or  adaptations,  so 
in  these  cases,  the  leaves  of  such  plants  are  formed  for  the 
absorption  rather  than  the  exhalation  of  fluids.  The  House- 
leek,  (Sempervivum,)  which  name  signifies  "  to  live  forever" 
though  a  common  plant,  is  a  very  curious  one  on  this  account. 
It  will  grow  for  weeks  or  months,  without  the  least  root,  and 

What  curious  provision  is  exhibited  in  the  ripening  of  seeds  of  the  wa- 
ter starwort  ?      Under  what  circumstances  does  the  gulf  weed   grow? 
What  account  is  given  of  the  floating  plant,  water  house-leek  ? 
2* 


IP  THE    ROOT. 

wuiiout  either  earth  or  water,  and  still  preserve  its  succulent, 
pulpy,  appearance.  Other  plants,  under  the  same  circumstan- 
ces, become  perfectly  dry  in  a  tew  days.  This  difference 
undoubtedly  depends  on  the  difference  of  structure,  by  which 
plants  as  well  as  animals  are  adapted  to  their  several  situa- 
tions. 

The  roots  we  have  described,  are  as  follows  : 

1.  Fusiform,  or  Spindle  shaped.     Ex.  Dock. 

2.  Premorse,  or  Bitten  off.     Ex.  Pedate  Violet. 

3.  Branched,  or  Ramose.     Ex.  Most  Trees. 

4.  Fibrous.     Ex.  The  Grasses. 

5.  Tuberose,  or  knotted.     Ex.  Potato,  Artichoke. 

6.  Palmated,  or  Hand  Shaped.     Ex.  Orchis. 

7.  Solid  Bulb.     Ex.  Crocus,  Turnip. 

8.  Tunicated  Bulb.     Ex.  Onion. 

9.  Scaly  Bulb.     Ex.  White  Lily. 

10.  Repent,  or  Creeping.     Ex.  Strawberry. 

11.  Floating  Root.     Ex.  Lemna. 


THE  STEM.     (Caulis.) 

The  Stem,  or  Stalk,  is  that  part  of  the  plant  which  rises 
above  the  surface  of  the  ground.  It  is  sometimes  called  the 
ascending,  as  the  root  is  the  descending  part  of  the  vegetable. 

In  relation  to  botany,  the  use  of  the  stem  is  to  elevate  the 
leaves,  flowers  and  fruit  above  the  earth,  for  the  benefit  of 
air  and  light.  It  is  not  an  essential  part  of  vegetables,  since 
many  of  the  inferior  orders,  as  the  Ferns  and  Mosses,  are 
without  stems. 

The  words  Stem,  Stalk,  and  Trunk,  are  all  employed  to 
signify  the  same  part.  This  part  is  so  various  in  different 
species  of  plants,  as  to  require  several  divisions,  and  even 
subdivisions,  in  order  to  be  distinguished. 

1.  TRUNK.  The  Trunk,  or  Stem,  properly  so  called,  is 
the  ascending  part  of  all  trees  and  shrubs,  and  of  many  her- 
baceous, or  annual  plants.  It  may  be  woody,  succulent,  or 
fleshy ;  also  medullary,  that  is,  containing  a  pith,  or  it  may 
be  empty,  hollow,  simple,  branched,  tyc.  fyc. 

Woody  Stem,  (Caulis  ligneus.)  Trees  and  shrubs  gen 
erally  have  solid,  or  woody  stems.  This  kind  of  stem,  which 

How  is  the  fact  accounted  for  that  some  plants  will  live  and  thrive 

without  roots?     What  are  the  several  species  of  roots  described ?  What 

part  of  the  plant  is  the  stem  1    What  is  the  use  of  the  stem  ?  What 
other  words  are  used  to  signify  the  same  part  ? 


THE    STKM. 


19 


is  usually  called  the  Trunk,  furnishes  the  wood  which  is  em- 
ployed for  fuel,  and  in  the  arts  In  respect  to  size,  texture, 
hardness,  durability,  color,  and  specific  gravity,  there  are 
wide  differences  in  the  wood  of  different  species  of  trees. 
Some  trees  stand  and  grow  during  the  lapse  of  ages.  Oth- 
ers are  comparatively  short  lived  and  begin  to  decay  soon 
after  they  arrive  at  maturity.  Some  attain,  both  in  height  and 
bulk,  to  an  enormous  magnitude,  while  others  never  grow 
higher  than  a  few  feet,  or  even  inches,  having  trunks  nc  lar- 
ger than  straws.  It  is  said  that  certain  species  of  the  Fig- 
tree,  growing  in  South  America,  attain  the  size  of  twenty- 
five  feet  in  diameter,  and  that  the  African  Calabash,  or  Mon- 
key-bread, (Adansonia  digitata,}  is  sometimes  thirty  feet  in 
diameter.  But  these  are  but  shrubs  when  compared  with  the 
celebrated  Chestnut  of  Mount  Etna,  so  often  described  by 
travellers.  According  to  Mr.  Swinburne,  this  tree  measures 
at  the  ground,  196  feet  in  circumference,  which  is  nearly  65 
feet  in  diameter.  The  height  to  which  some  trees  attain, 
without  reference  to  their  diameter,  is  also  truly  astonishing. 
Some  of  the  North  American  Pines  are  230  feet  in  height, 
and  as  straight  as  though  their  growth  had  been  directed  by 
the  plumb-line  of  a  master-builder. 

From  these  gigantic  trunks,  na- 
ture furnishes  every  intermediate 
size  of  the  woody  stem,  down  to 
that  of  the  Arctic  Bramble,  (Rubus 
Arcticus,}  an  entire  shrub  of  which 
may  be  placed  in  a  six  ounce  vial. 
Still  more  diminutive  is  a  kind  of 
Willow,  (Salix  herbacea,}  which 
Dr.  Clarke  says  is  the  only  tree 
growing  in  Spitzbergen. 

Fig.  14,  represents  this  shrub  of 
its  full  size,  with  its  roots,  branches 
and  leaves  entire. 

In  respect  to  the  longevity  of 
trees,  it  is  known  that  some  spe- 
cies live  from  one  generation  of 
man  to  another.  Oaks  are  now 


Fig.  14. 


What  plants  have  woody  stems  ?  In  what  respects  do  woody  stems 
diiFer?  What  is  said  to  he  the  circumference  of  the  great  chestnut  oi 
Mount  Etna  ?  How  tall  are  some  of  the  North  American  pines  said  to 
DC  ?  What  is  said  of  the  size  of  the  salix  herbacea  ? 


'20  THE    STEM. 

growing  in  this  country,  which  were  large  trees  before  mo 
time  of  Columbus.  Indeed  it  is  probable  that  many  trees 
li\  c  at  least  a  thousand  years,  and  it  is  by  no  means  certain 
that  there  are  not  trees  now  living  which  were  planted  before 
the  Christian  era.  On  the  contrary,  some  trees  which  attain 
to  a  considerable  size  live  only  for  a  short  period.  In  this 
country  the  Lombardy  Poplar,  an  exotic,  begins  to  decay 
soon  after  it  arrives  at  maturity,  and  sometimes  perhaps  even 
sooner.  In  general  the  longevity  of  a  tree,  like  that  of  an 
animal,  is  in  proportion  to  the  time  required  for  it  to  come  to 
maturity,  or  attain  its  full  growth.  Thus  the  Oak  grows  for 
centuries,  while  the  Lombardy  Poplar  attains  its  full  size  in 
twelve  or  fifteen  years. 

Medullary  or  Pithy  Stem,  (Caulis  medulosus.)  The  me 
dulla,  or  pith,  is  the  well  known  soft,  compressible,  light  sub- 
stance contained  in  the  centre  of  many  ligneous  plants,  as 
the  Elder,  (Sambucus.)  Many  plants  when  young  contain 
pith,  which  is  replaced  by  wood  as  they  grow  old.  The 
young  shoots  of  common  Elder  always  contain  the  largest 
pith,  though  their  stems  may  be  only  half  the  size  of  those  of 
the  parent.  Hence  in  this  plant,  it  must  be  inferred,  either 
that  the  pith  is  converted  into  wood,  or  that  the  woody  fibres 
increase  around  it. 

It  seems  to  be  a  provision  of  nature,  that  where  the  stem 
is  medullary,  the  wood  surrounding  it  should  be  peculiarly 
strong  and  compact.  A  species  of  Palm,  which  attains  to  a 
considerable  height,  is  only  three  inches  in  diameter,  and 
nearly  two  and  a  half  inches  of  this  is  composed  entirely  of 
pith.  But  to  compensate  for  this  want  of  strength  in  the  in- 
terior, the  ligneous,  or  external  part,  is  so  hard  and  elastic  as 
rather  to  resemble  whale-bone  than  the  wood  of  other  trees. 
The  cane  fishing  rod  is  another  example  of  this  provision. 

The  pith  of  some  trees  is  of  considerable  consequence  as 
an  article  of  food.  The  Sago  of  commerce  is  made  of  the 
pith  of  a  species  of  Palm,  (Sagus  Rumphii,)  single  trees  of 
which  are  said  sometimes  to  yield  six  hundred  pounds  of  this 
nutritious  substance. 

Hollow,  or  Tubular  Stem,  (Caulis  tubulosus.)  Hollow 
stems  are  not  uncommon  in  garden  plants.  Fennel,  Dill, 

What  is  said  of  the  longevity  of  trees  ?  Is  there  any  proportion  be- 
tween the  longevity  of  trees  and  the  time  of  their  full  growth  ?  What  is 
meant  by  a  medullary  stem  ?  In  common  elder  do  the  young  or  old  shoots 
contain  the  largest  pith?  What  is  said  of  the  strength  of  medullary 
Btems  ?  Is  any  use  made  of  the  pith  of  trees  ? 


THE    STEM. 


21 


Parsley,  and  many  others  of  this  tribe,  present  examples. 
The  Trumpet  tree  of  the  West  Indies,  (Cecropia peltata,)  has 
not  only  a  hollow  stem,  but  all  its  branches  are  tubes.  This 
tree  grows  to  the  height  of  thirty,  or  forty  feet,  and  is 
of  a  proportionate  diameter.  The  interior  is  divided  into 
compartments  by  transverse  membranous  partitions.  The 
branches  being  cleared  of  these  partitions,  are  employed  for 
wind  instruments,  arid  hence  its  name,  Trumpet  tree. 

Simple  Stem,  (Caulis  simplex.)     This  merely  signifies  that 
•,he  stem  is  not  branched,  as  in  the  Lily  and  Bamboo. 


Branched  Stem,  (Caulis  ramosus.)  Of  this 
there  are  several  kinds,  as  Brachiate,  having 
arms,  which  alternately  cross  each  other,  Fig. 
15.  Dichotomous,  forked,  when  the  divisions 
are  only  in  two  parts.  Much  branched,  as  in 
the  Apple,  and  Pear-tree. 


Fig.  15. 


Naked     Stem,    (Caulis  nudus.)     This    is    a 
stem   without  leaves   or   thorns.     Ex.    Jointed 
Saltwort,  (Salicornia  herbacea,)  Fig.  16.     This 
plant  grows  on  the  sea  shore,  and  is  common 
in    this    country.     Stem    about    a    foot    high, 
fleshy,  green,  and  jointed.     There  are  several 
species,  all  of  which  are  burned  for  the  purpose 
of  obtaining  the  soda  of  commerce.     For  this 
purpose    the    plants    are    collected,  dried,  and 
reduced  to  ashes.     The  ashes  being  lixiviated,  the  water  con 
tains  the  soda  in  solution,  which  is  obtained  by  subsequent 
evaporation.     This  plant  is  also  pickled  in  salt  and  vinegar, 
like  samphire,  for  culinary  purposes. 


What  is  a  simple  stem  1     What  is  a  branched,  and  what  a  naked  stem  ? 
What  is  an  example  of  a  naked  stem  ? 


THE    STEM. 

Fig 

Perfoliate  Stem,  (Caulis  perfoliatus.) 
Fig.  17.  The  stem  passes  through  the 
leaf,  or  the  leaf  surrounds  the  stem.  Ex.. 
Perfoliate  Bellwort,  (Uvularia  perfoliate) 


Some  trees  are  provided  with  several  stems  or  props,  by 
which  their  branches  are  supported  and  kept  in  a  horizontal 
position.  The  Black  Mangrove,  (Rhizophora  mangle,)  which 
grows  in  the  West  Indies,  is  an  example.  The  limbs  spread 
to  such  a  distance  from  the  trunk  as  to  require  support,  other- 
wise they  would  bend  to  the  ground,  or  be  broken  by  their 
own  weight,  both  of  which,  nature  has  contrived  the  means 
of  preventing.  When  the  branches  are  no  longer  capable  of 
supporting  themselves,  they  send  forth  soft,  lax  strings  in 
many  places,  which  grow  rapidly  downwards,  and  soon  reach 
the  earth,  where  they  take  root.  In  a  few  months  they  begin 
to  give  support  to  the  branches  above,  and  finally  beco.iie 
capable  of  sustaining  all  the  weight  required. 

There  is  also  another  tree,  which  grows  in  the  East  Indies, 
whose  branches  are  propped  in  the  same  manner.  This  is 
the  celebrated  Banyan  tree,  (Ficus  Indica,)  and  on  account 
of  its  great  size  affords  the  most  remarkable  instance  of  this 
kind  of  support.  Its  mode  of  increase  is  precisely  like  that 
of  the  mangrove  above  described.  The  eastern  traveller, 
Forbes,  describes  one  of  these  trees  which  he  visited  on  the 
bank  of  a  river  in  India.  A  part  of  it  had  been  swept  away 
by  an  inundation  of  the  river,  but  the  principal  stems  still 
remained,  and  occupied  a  space  which  measured  about  two 
thousand  feet  in  circumference,  though  many  of  the  branches 
which  had  not  yet  sent  down  steins  extended  much  farther. 
The  large  trunks  of  this  tree  amounted  to  three  thousand  and 
fifty  in  number,  besides  which  there  were  as  many  more  of 
a  smaller  size.  On  one  occasion  this  huge  Banyan  had  given 
shelter  to  an  army  of  seven  thousand  men. 

What,  is  meant  by  a  perfoliate  stem  ?  In  what  manner  are  the  limbs  of 
the  black  mangrove  said  to  support  themselves  ?  What  is  said  of  the 
size  and  shape  of  the  Banyan  tree  ? 


THE    STEM. 


23 


Fig.  18  represents  this  tree,  though  comparatively  few  of 
its  stems  are  shown.  We  take  the  figure  from  Drummond's 
Botany. 

Spiral,  or  Twining  Stem,  ( Caulis  volubilis,)  Fig-  19> 

Fig.  19.  The  Bean,  the  Hop,  the  Grape, 
are  familiar  examples  of  this  kind  of  stem. 
Some  plants  turn  to  the  right,  and  others  to 
the  left,  but  in  this  respect  they  are  governed 
by  invariable  laws,  that  is,  one  plant  of  the 
same  species  never  twines  to  the  right,  and 
another  to  the  left.  The  Hop,  for  example, 
turns  round  its  pole,  from  the  left  to  the  right, 
and  if  every  plant  of  this  species  in  a  field  be 
examined,  they  will  all  be  found  to  turn  in  the  same  direction. 
To  ascertain  this,  let  the  face  be  turned  towards  the  south, 
the  east  being  on  the  left,  and  the  west  on  the  right.  Then 
it  will  be  found  that  the  hop  vine  makes  all  its  volutions  from 
the  left  hand  towards  the  right,  that  is,  from  the  east  towards 
the  west,  or  with  the  apparent  motion  of  the  sun.  On  the 
contrary,  the  Bindweed,  (Convolvulus]  the  Kidney  Bean, 
(Phascolus,}  and  many  other  vines,  turn  from  the  right  to  the 
loft,  or  .against  the  motion  of  the  sun.  It  is  said  that  if  these 
plants  are  forced  to  grow  in  a  contrary  direction,  that  it 
injures,  and  sometimes  even  kills  them  ! 

In  hot  climates,  where  vegetation  attains  its  largest  size, 
there  are  some  twining  plants  that  strike  the  foreign  traveller 
with  perfect  astonishment.  Mr.  Bartram  states,  that  in 

What  are  common  examples  of  the  spiral  stem  ?  What  invariable  lav? 
do  twining  stems  observe  with  respect  to  turning  to  the  right  or  left  ? 


24  STEM. 

Georgia  and  Carolina,  the  grape  vines  are  a  foot  in  diametei 
and  that  they  climb  to  the  very  tops  of  the  tallest  trees,  and 
then  running  from  one  tree  to  another,  as  it  were,  bind  the 
whole  forest  together. 

In  the  forest  of  Surinam,  according  to  the  traveller,  Stead- 
man,  there  is  a  singular  climbing  plant  called  the  nebee,  or 
ligneous  rope.  The  stems  of  this  plant  not  only  twine  around 
the  trees  to  their  tops,  but  when  arrived  there,  they  often  run 
down  again  until  they  reach  the  earth,  where  throwing  out 
several  roots,  they  run  up  the  next,  and  so  spread  from  one 
tree  to  another,  to  a  great  extent.  Sometimes  these  stems 
twine  around  each  other,  and  as  they  are  often  to  a  consider- 
able distance  barren  of  leaves,  they  form  ropes  of  the 
thickness  of  a  ship's  cable,  which  they  very  nearly  resemble. 
These  ropes  are  said  to  be  exceedingly  strong,  so  that  they 
are  employed  for  mooring  ships  to  the  shore,  instead  of 
hemp  cables. 

CULM,  or  STRAW,  (Culmus.)  The  Culm  is  the  stem  of 
the  grasses,  rushes,  and  other  plants  which  most  resemble 
hem,  as  the  Cat's-tail,  and  Bamboo.  It  bears  both  leaves 
and  flowers,  and  is  often  hollow,  and  seldom  branched. 

The  Culm  is  distinguished  into  several  kinds,  which  are 
thus  described. 

Jointed  or  articulated  Culm,  Fig.  20.     It  is       f:|  Fiff'  2a 
divided  from  space  to  space,  by  knots,  or  joints, 
as  in  the  straw  of  the  Oat,  Wheat,  and  Bamboo. 
Among  the  jointed  stems,  perhaps  that  of  the 
Bamboo  is  the  most  interesting  and  beautiful, 
and  so  far  as  the  Culm  itself  is  concerned,  cer- 
tainly the  most  useful.     This  plant,  which  is  a 
native  of  warm  climates,  grows  to  the  height  of 
forty  feet,  or  more,  though  scarcely  more  than 
three  inches  in   diameter   at  the  base.     The 
graceful  waving  of  a  forest  of  such  elastic  rods, 
during  a  breeze,  is  said  to  present  to  the  eye  of 
the  foreign  traveller  a  spectacle  of  great  novelty  and  interest. 
The  culm  is  straight,  round,  tough,  simple,  and  highly  pol- 
ished by  nature.     There  are,  perhaps,  few  plants  which  serve 
for  such  variety  of  purposes  as  this.     In  the  East  Indies  great 

What  is  a  culm  ?  WThat  are  familiar  examples  of  the  jointed  culm  ? 
What  is  said  to  be  the  most  interesting  and  useful  among  the  jointed 
julms  ? 


CULM.       SCAPE.       PEDUNCLE.  25 

use  is  made  of  it  in  building,  the  houses  of  the  poor  being 
almost  entirely  composed  of  it,  with  the  crevices  stopped 
with  mud  or  clay.  Bridges  are  also  constructed  of  it,  as  well 
as  cups  for  drinking, — mats  to  lie  on, — pipes  for  conveying 
water, — boxes  for  various  purposes,  and  fences  for  fields  and 
gardens.  Of  its  fibres,  sacking  is  made  to  hold  grain,  and 
of  ihe  same,  cordage  and  cables  for  ships  are  formed.  In 
China,  Bamboo  serves  to  make,  not  only  chairs,  tables,  and 
bedsteads,  but  bedding  also,  and  paper  is  said  to  be  made  of 
it.  In  the  West  Indies  it  serves  for  a  great  variety  of  me- 
chanical purposes,  besides  which,  its  tender  shoots  are 
pickled  for  the  table. 

Geniculated  Culm;  (Culmus  gemculatus.)  Geniculated 
means  bent  like  the  knee.  This  culm  is  peculiar  to  a  few 
species  of  Grass,  among  which  are  the  Floating  Fox-tail, 
(Alopecurus  geniculatus.) 

Simple  Culm,  (Culmus  enodis.)  This  is  a  culm  without 
joints,  or  knots,  and  is  generally  straight  and  smooth,  as  in 
the  common  Rush,  (Juncus,)  and  the  Cat's-tail,  (Typha.) 

-•  r 

Fig.   21. 

SCAPE,  (Scapus,)  Fig.  21.  This  is 
the  Flower  Stem.  It  springs  from  the 
root,  and  elevates  the  flower,  and  bears 
the  fruit,  but  not  the  leaves.  The  Side- 
saddle flower,  (Sarracenia,)  Daffodil, 
Primrose,  (Primula,)  and  the  Colt's- 
foot,  (Tussilago,)  are  examples.  These 
are  called  acaules,  or  stertdess  plants. 
Several  of  the  violets  are  stemless,  and 
are  thus  distinguished  from  those  whose 
siems  bear  leaves  as  well  as  flowers. 


PEDUNCLE,  (Pedunculus,)  the  Flower  stalk  which  springs 
from  the  stem  or  branch,  and  bears  the  flower  and  fruit,  but 
no  leaves.  Trie  pedicel,  or  partial  flower  stalk,  is  the  ulti- 
mate subdivision  of  the  peduncle.  The  Common  Elder, 
(Sambucus  Canadensis,)  is  an  example.  The  peduncle  is  the 

How  is  the  simple,  distinguished  from  the  jointed,  culm  ?  What  is  a 
scape?  What  are  familiar  examples  of  the  scape?  What  is  the  pe- 
duncle ? 

3 


26  THE    STEM. 

stalk  which  bears  the  cluster,  or  cyme  of  berries,  while  each 
berry  has  its  own  pedicel. 

The  Flower  is  said  to  be 

Cauline,  (Caulinus,)  when  it  grows  immediately  out  of  the 
main  stem.  Ex.  Indian  Shot,  (Canna  Indica.) 

Radical,  (Radicalis,)  when  it  proceeds  immediately  from 
he  root.  Ex.  Primrose,  (Primula.)  This  is  called  a  scape. 

Ramose,  (Rameus,)  when  it  proceeds  from  a  branch.  Ex. 
Poplar,  (Populus,)  Cherry. 

Axillary,  (Axillaris,)  when  it  proceeds  from  between  the 
leaf  and  the  stem.  Ex.  Passion  Flower,  (Passiflora.) 

Terminal,  (Terminalis,)  when  it  terminates  a  stem,  or 
branch,  or  proceeds  from  its  extreme  end.  Ex.  Crown  Im- 
perial, Tulip. 

PETIOLE,  (Petiolus,)  the  Foot  Stalk  of  the  leaf.  This  is 
the  part  usually  small,  which  connects  the  leaf  with  the 
tree,  or  when  the  leaves  are  radical,  with  the  root.  It  is 
commonly  channeled  on  the  upper  side. 

The  petiole  is  simple  when  it  bears  only  a         Fig- 
single  leaf,  Fig.  22,  as  in  the  sweet  scented  Ge- 
ranium,  Apple,   Plum,    and  Rhubarb  ;  or  com- 
pound when  it  bears  several  leaves,  as  in  the 
Coriander,  (Coriandrum  sativum,)  and  Rose. 

There  are   also  several  other  kinds  of  leaf 
stalks,  as, 

Winged  Petiole,  (Pctiolus  alatus,)  when  the  peti- 
ole is  expanded  into  a  leafy  border  on  each  side,  in 
the  form  of  wings.  Ex.  Orange  tree. 

Sheathing,  (Petiolus  vaginans,}  when  the  leaf 
stalk  embraces  the  stem.  Ex.  Wheat,  Indian  corn. 

Compressed  Petiole,  (Petiolus  compressus,)  when 
the  leaf  stalk  is  compressed  or  flattened.  Ex.  As- 
pen, (Populus  Tremula.)  To  this  form  of  the  peti- 
ole, the  constant  tremulous  motion  of  the  leaves  of 
this  tree  is  attributed. 

What  is  the  pedicel  ?  When  is  the  flower  stalk  said  to  be  cauline  ' 
When  radical  ?  When  is  it  ramose  ?  When  is  it  said  to  be  terminal  ' 
What  is  the  petiole  ?  When  is  the  petiole  simple  ?  When  is  it  com- 
pound ?  When  winged  ?  When  sheathing  ?  When  compressed  ? 


THE    LEAF 


Fig  24 


FRONS,  or  FROND,  Fig.  24.  This  is  the 
stem  and  leaf  in  one,  or  in  other  words,  the 
flowers  and  fruit  are  produced  on  the  leaves 
themselves.  This  stem  is  peculiar  to  flow- 
erless  plants.  Ex.  Common  Polypody, 
(Poly podium  vulgare.)  The  figure  repre- 
sents a  Frond,  with  the  fruit  on  its  back. 


STIPE,  (Stipes,)  Fig.  25.  The  Stipe  is  the 
part  which  elevates  the  cap  in  the  Fungus 
tribe.  It  is  the  stem  of  the  Mushroom  or 
Toad-stool.  This  term  is  also  applied  to  the 
little  pillar  which  supports  the  down  in  the 
compound  flowers,  or  connects  the  wings  with 
the  seeds,  as  in  the  Dandelion  and  Salsify. 


THE  LEAF.     (Folium.) 

The  leaf  is  so  general  an  organ  of  plants,  that  its  absence 
especially  in  warm  climates,  would  deprive  the  face  of  the 
earth  of  her  greatest  beauty  ;  and  yet  this  is  not  an  universal, 
or  essential  organ.  In  some  plants,  as  in  the  Saltwort,  (Sal- 
icornia,)  Fig.  16,  and  in  most  of  the  cryptogamous  class,  it  is 
entirely  wanting.  Leaves  are  generally  oblong  and  expanded 
in  their  forms,  and  for  the  most  part  thin  and  delicate  in  their 
texture.  Some  are,  however,  fleshy  and  succulent,  as  in  the 
House-leek  tribe.  In  almost  all  leaves,  the  upper  and  under 
surfaces  differ  from  each  other  in  color,  or  in  texture,  the  up- 
per surface  being  more  commonly  smooth  and  polished,  while 
the  under  one  is  rough,  or  covered  with  hoary  down. 

Leaves  are  furnished  with  minute  vessels,  through  which 
the  sap  circulates,  and  in  the  upper  surface  is  exposed  to  the 

What  is  a  frond  ?  What  is  the  difference  between  a  stipe  and  a  scape  ? 
Is  the  leaf  an  essential  organ  of  plants  ?  In  what  tribe  are  the  leaves 
chiefly  wanting?  What  difference  commonly  exists  between  the  upper 
and  under  side  of  the  leaves  ? 


•60  THE    LEAF. 

influence  of  heat  and  light.  In  consequence  of  this  expo- 
sure, and  the  action  of  certain  organs  with  which  this  part  is 
furnished,  the  qualities  oi  the  sap  are  changed,  and  it  as- 
sumes the  odor  or  fragrance  peculiar  to  the  leaves  of  some 
plants.  After  the  sap  has  undergone  this  change,  it  is  sent 
back  to  the  bark  of  the  tree,  where  it  suffers  another  change, 
and  is  converted  into  wood.  Meantime  the  watery  and  su- 
perfluous parts  of  the  sap  are  thrown  off  from  the  under  sui- 
face  of  the  leaf. 


Fig.  26. 


FORMS    OF    THE    LEAVES. 

With  respect  to  form,  leaves  are  divided  into  simple  and 
compound. 

Simple  Leaves,  Leaves  are  simple  when  only  one  grows 
on  the  same  petiole,  as  the  Oak,  Chestnut,  Rhubarb. 

Compound  Leaves.  Leaves  are  said  to  be  compound,  when 
several  leaves  or  leaflets  grow  on  the  same  petiole,  as  in  the 
Rose,  Elder,  and  Senna. 

The  outlines,  or  shapes,  most  common  to  the  simple  leaves, 
are  the  following. 

Round,  Fig.  26,  (orbiculata,)  having  the  lon- 
gitudinal and  transverse  diameters  equal.  Ex. 
Pimpernel,  (Anagallis  tenella.)  It  is  very  rare 
that  precise  examples  of  this  leaf  occur  in  na- 
ture. The  specific  name,  rouivl  ea.ved,(rotun- 
difolia,)  though  often  applied,  is  therefore  very 
seldom  strictly  applicable. 

Ovate,  Fig.  27,  (ovata,)  egg  shaped,  having  the 
form  of  an  egg  divided  lengthwise  into  two  halves. 
The  length  is  greater  than  ihe  breadth,  and  the 
base  broader  than  the  apex.  Ex.  Chequer-berry, 
(Michella  repens,)  Pear.  Obovate  is  this  form  re- 
versed. 

Roundish,  Fig.  28,  (subrotund,)  nearly  round, 
having  little  difference  between  the  longitudinal 
and  transverse  diameters.  Ex.  Round-leaved 
Wintergreen,  (Pyrola  rotundifolia)  Green-briar, 
(Smilax.) 

What  effect  do  the  leaves  produce  on  the  sap  ?  How  are  leaves  divided 
with  respect  to  form  ?  When  are  leaves  said  to  be  simple  ?  When  are 
leaves  compound  ?  Give  an  example  of  a  round  leaf.  Of  an  ovate  leaf 
Of  a  roundish  leaf. 


FORM    OF    LEAVES. 


Oval,  Fig.  29,  (elliptical,)  having  the  length 
greater  than  the  width,  with  the  curvatures  at  both 
ends  alike.  Ex.  (Lespideza  prostrata.) 


Oblong,  Fig.  30,  (oblonga,)  having  the  longitudi- 
nal diameter  several  times  greater  than  the  trans- 
verse. Ex.  Urnbelled  Wintergreen,  (Pyrola  um- 
bellata,)  Solomon's  seal,  (Convallaria.) 


Lanceolate,  Fig.  31,  (lanceolata,)  spear-shaped.  It 
is  several  times  longer  than  wide,  gradually  tapering 
towards  the  two  extremities,  and  ending  in  a  sharp 
point.  Ex.  Narrow  Plaintain,  (Plantago  lanceolata,) 
Sweet  William,  (Dianthus.) 


Fig.  30. 


Fig.  31. 


Fig.  32. 


Linear,  Fig.  32,  narrow,  with  the  edges  parallel, 
except  at  the  two  extremities.  Ex.  Club  Spurge,  (Eu- 
phorbia clava.)  Most  of  the  Grains  and  Grasses  have 
linear  leaves. 


Subulate,  Fig.  33,  (awl-shaped,)  gradually  tapering 
from  the  base,  or  insertion  of  the  petiole,  and  ending 
in  a  point.  Ex.  Common  Sand  wort,  (Arenaria  ru- 
bra.) 


Reniform,  Fig.  34,  (kidney-shaped,)  a  short, 
broad,  round  leaf,  with  a  sinus,  or  hollow  at 
the  base.  Ex.  Common  Asarum,  (Asarum 
Canadense.) 


Give  an  example  of  an  oval  leaf.     Of  an  oblong  leaf.     Of  a  lanceolate 
leaf.     Of  a  linear  leaf.     Of  a  subulate  leaf.     Of  a  reniform  leaf. 
3* 


30 


THE    LEAF. 


Fi«.  35 


Fig.  37 


Heart-shaped,  Fig.  35,  (cordiform,)  having 
the  length  greater  than  the  breadth  with  an 
ovate  form,  hollowed  out  at  the  base.  Ex. 
Two-leaved  Solomon's  seal,  (Convallaria  bi- 
folia.) 

Lunate,  Fig.  36,  (crescent-shaped,)  or  like 
a  half  moon.  It  approaches  the  reniform, 
but  the  two  lobes  at  the  base  are  more  or  less 
pointed.  Ex.  Two  leaved  Birthwort,  (Aris- 
tolochia  bilobata.) 

Arrow-shaped,  Fig.  37,  (sagittate,)  triangular,  with 
the  base  divided,  and  ending  in  points,  the  other  an- 
gle extended  and  acute.  Ex.  Arrow-head,  (Sagit- 
taria  sagittifolia.) 


I.yrate,  Fig.  38,  (lyratum,)  lyre-shaped,  cut  lat- 
erally into  several  transverse  segments  or  lobes, 
of  which  those  nearest  the  stem  are  the  smallest. 
Ex.  Lyre-leaved  Sage,  (Salvia  lyrata.) 


Panduriform,  Fig.  39,  (fiddle- shaped.)  It  is  ob- 
long, broad  at  the  two  extremities,  and  contracted 
in  the  middle.  Ex.  Virginian  Bindweed,  (Con- 
volvulus panduratus.) 


Runcinate,  Fig.  50,  (lion-toothed,)  cut  into  seve- 
ral transverse  acute  segments,  pointing  backwards. 
Ex.  Dandelion,  (Leontodon  taraxacum.) 


Give  an  example  of  a  heart-shaped  leaf.  Of  a  lunate  leaf.  Of  an  ar- 
row-shaped leaf  "What  is  the  form  of  a  lyrate  leaf?  Of  a  panduriforra 
'eaf?  Of  aruncinate  leaf? 


Fig.  40. 


FORM    OF    LEAVES. 


31 


Hastate,  Fig.  41,  (halbert  shaped,)  triangular, 
the  base  spreading  and  ending  in  two  opposite  an- 
gles ;  the  form  oblong,  ending  in  a  point,  with  the 
sides  somewhat  hollowed.  Ex.  Bittersweet, 
(Solanum  dulcamara.)  Canary  Sage,  (Salvia  Ca- 
nariensis.) 


Sinuate,  Fig.  42,  cut  into  rounded  lobes,  or 
wide  openings,  the  margins  bending  in  and  out. 
Ex.  Water  Horehound,  (Lycopus  Europeus,)  Red 
Oak,  (Quercus  rubra.) 


Pinnatifid,  Fig.  43,  (wing  cleft.)  The  leaf 
is  transversely  divided  into  small  lobes  or 
oblong  segments  ;  but  not  reaching  to  the 
midrib.  Ex.  Wild  Peppergrass,  (Lepidium 
Virginicum.) 


Crenate,  (notched,)  with  the  teeth  rounded 
and  not  directed  to  either  end  of  the  leaf. 
Ex.  Ground  Ivy,  (Glechoma  hederacea.) 


Laciniated,  Fig.  45,  cut  into  numerous 

irregular  portions,  or   deep  notches.     Ex. 

Crow-foot,     (Ranunculus,)  Crane's    Bill, 
(Geranium.) 


Fig.  41 


Fig  42. 


Fig.  43. 


F'ig.  44. 


Fig.  45. 


Fig.  46- 


Palmate,  Fig.  46,  (palmated,)  hand- 
shaped,  divided  nearly  to  the  insertion 
of  the  petiole  into  oblong  lobes  of  sim- 
ilar sizes,  but  leaving  a  space  entire, 
like  the  palm  of  the  hand.  Ex.  Pas- 
sion flower,  (Passiflora  c&rulea,)  Castor 
Oil  plant,  (Ricinis  communis.) 

What  is  the  form  of  the  hastate  leaf?  Of  a  sinuate  leaf  /  Of  a  pin- 
natifid  leaf?  Of  a  crenate  leaf?  Of  a  laciniated  leaf  ?  Of  a  oalmate 
leaf? 


THE    LEAF. 


Fig.  47 


Fig.  49. 


Lobcd,  Fig.  47,  (lobatum,)  divi- 
ded into  segments,  the  margins  of 
which  are  rounded.  Ex.  Liver 
leaf,  (Hepatica  triloba,)  Sassafras, 
(Laurus  sassafras.) 


Dentate,  Fig.  48,  (toothed,)  beset 
with  projecting,  horizontal,  distant 
teeth,  of  the  same  substance  as  the 
leaf.  Ex.  Blue  Bottle,  (Centaurea 
cyanus,)  (Atriplex  lancinata.) 

Serrate,  Fig.  49,  (saw-like,)  the  border  being 
cut  into  notches  ending  in  sharp  points,  which 
incline  towards  the  apex  of  the  leaf.  Exam- 
ples of  this  are  very  abundant,  as  Nettle,  (Ur- 
tica,)  Rose,  (Rosa,)  Peach,  (Amygdalus.) 


Erose,  Fig.  50,  (jagged,)  having  an  appearance 
as  though  it  had  been  gnawed  or  bitten  by  insects. 
Ex.  Fire  weed,  (Senecio  hieracifolius.) 


With  respect  to  their  summits,  the  following  distinctions 
are  the  most  common. 

Fig.  51. 

Acuminate,  Fig.  51,  (pointed,  with  an  extended 
termination,  and  in  this  respect,  differing  from  the 
lanceolate  leaf.  Ex.  several  species  of  the  grass 
Panicum,  and  of  the  Reed,  (Arundo.) 


What  is  the  form  of  a  lobed  leaf?     Of  a  dentate  leaf?     Of  a  serate 
leaf?     Of  an  erose  leaf?     Of  an  accumulate  leaf? 


SUMMITS    AND    SURFACES    OF    LEAVES. 


33 


Cuspidate,  Fig.  52,  terminated  suddenly  by  a 
bristly  point.  Ex.  Rosy  thtonia,  (Tritonea  Ro- 
sea.)  Mucronate  is  nearly  a  synonymous  term, 
and  applicable  to  the  spiny  terminations  of  the 
leaves  of  the  Thistles,  and  some  species  of  the 
Aloe. 


Fig.  52 


Emarginate,  Fig.  53,  (nicked,)  having  a  small 
notch  at  the  end.  Ex.  Bladder  senna,  (  Colutea  ar- 
bor escens.) 


Fig.  54. 


Fig.  55. 


Obtuse,  Fig.  54,  (blunt-pointed,)  the  termination 
being  in  the  form  of  the  segment  of  a  circle.  Ex. 
Primrose,  (Primula.)  Examples  of  this  are  not  com- 
mon. 


Cirrhose,  Fig.  55,  (tendrilled,)  the  leaf  ending 
in  a  tendril  or  clasper,  by  which  the  plant  clings 
for  support.  Ex.  Superb  Gloriosa,  ( Gloriosa  su- 
perba.) 


With  respect  to  the  surfaces  of  leaves,  the  following  dis- 
tinctions are  made. 

Fig.  56. 


Smooth,  Fig.  55.  A  leaf  is  said  to  be  smooth, 
when  it  is  without  hairs,  wrinkles,  or  ribs.  Ex. 
Indian  cucumber,  Water  plantain. 


Velvety,  (Villose,)  covered  with  soft  hairs  or  down. 
Velvet  leaved  Primrose,  (Primula  villosa.) 

What  is  the  form  of  a  cuspidate  leaf?  Of  an  emarginate  leaf?  Of 
an  obtuse  leaf?  Of  a  cirrhose  leaf?  Give  an  example  of  a  smooth  leaf, 
Of  a  velvety  leaf. 


Fig.  59. 


34  THE    LEAF. 

Fig 

Nerved,  (ribbed,)  Fig.  57,  having  small  longitudi- 
nal elevations,  running  from  one  extremity  to  the 
other,  without  ramifications.  Ex.  Narrow  Plantain, 
(Plantago  lanceolata.) 


Veined,  Fig.  58,  (venosum,)  having  prominent 
divisions  near  the  base,  which  as  they  extend 
grow  smaller,  and  finally  spread  over  the  leaf, 
ramifying  with  each  other.  Ex.  Pear,  (Pyrus,) 
Mullein,  (Verbascum  lychnitis.) 


Wrinkled,  Fig.  59,  (rugose,)  rough,  or  corruga- 
ted ;  as  though  the  veins  had  contracted,  causing 
the  membrane  to  swell  and  sink  into  little  inequali- 
ties. Ex.  Sage,  (Salvia.) 


Plicate,  Fig.  60,  (plaited,)  the  nerves  alternately 
rising  and  sinking,  forming  the  surface  into  ridges 
and  channels,  as  though  the  leaf  had  been  plaited, 
or  laid  in  folds.  Ex.  White  Hellebore,  (Veratrum 
viride,)  Ladies'  mantle,  (Alchemilla  vulgaris.) 


COMPOUND    LEAVES. 

When  several  leaves  or  leaflets  grow  on  a  common  foot 
stalk,  they  are  called  compound.  Such  leaves  do  not  fall 
singly  from  the  tree,  but  as  the  fall  is  occasioned  by  the  sepa- 
ration of  the  common  foot  stalk,  all  the  leaflets  forming  a  com- 
pound leaf,  descend  at  the  same  time.  Ex.  Butternut, 
(Juglans  Cinerea.) 

Give  an  example  of  a  nerved  leaf.  Of  a  veined  leaf.  Of  a  wrinkled 
eaf.  Of  a  plicate  leaf.  When  are  leaves  said  to  be  compound  ? 


Fig.  60. 


COMPOUND    LEAVES. 


35 


Binate,  Fig.  61,  (binatum,)  two  leaved,  when 
the  common  petiole  bears  two  leaves  on  its 
summit.  Ex.  Dwarf  dog- wood,  (Cornus  su- 
esica.) 


Ternate,  Fig.  62,  (three  leaved,)  when 
the  petiole  bears  three  leaves.  Ex.  Clover, 
(Trefoil) 


Biternate,  Fig.  63,  (twice  three  leaved,) 
when  the  common  petiole  divides  into 
three  parts,  each  of  which  bears  three  leaf- 
lets. Ex.  Fumitory,  (Fumaria  lutea.) 


Triternate,  Fig.  64,  (three  times 
three  leaved,)  when  the  first  stalk 
divides  into  three  parts,  and  each 
of  these  three  parts  are  again  sub- 
divided into  other  three  parts,  each 
of  which  bears  three  leaflets.  Ex. 
Low  Anemone,  (Anemone  nemo- 
rosa,)  Wind  flower,  (Anemone  Vir- 
ginica.) 


Fig.  65. 


Pedate,  Fig.  65,  (Foot- shaped,)  that  is, 
like  a  bird's  foot ;  when  the  leaf  is  ternate, 
with  the  lateral  leaflets  divided  again. 
Ex.  Passion  flower,  (Passiflora  pedata.)  It 
is  similar  in  form  to  the  palmate  leaf,  but 
is  more  deeply  divided. 

When  a  petiole  has  a  number  of  leaflets  on  its  sides,  stand- 
ing opposite,  or  alternate,  it  is  called  winged,  or  pinnate,  from 
the  Latin  pinna,  a  pinion  or  wing.  Ex.  Rose,  Ash. 

What  is  the  form  of  a  binate  leaf?  Of  a  ternate  leaf?  Of  a  biternate 
leaf  ?  Of  a  triternate  leaf  ?  Of  a  pedate  leaf  ? 


36 


THE    LEAF. 


Fig. 


Unequally  pinnate,  Fig.  66,  when  a  pinnate 
leaf  is  terminated  at  the  end  by  an  odd  leaflet. 
Ex.  Rose. 


Abruptly  pinnate,  Fig.  67,  when  the  petiole  of 
a  winged  leaf  ends  abruptly,  that  is,  without  a 
leaflet,  or  tendril.  Ex.  Senna,  (Cassia  mary- 
landica.) 


Alternately  pinnate,  Fig.  68,  when  the 
leaves  alternate  with  each  other,  being 
placed  on  opposite  sides  of  the  stem.  Ex. 
many  running  vines. 


•Interruptedly  pinnate,  Fig.  69,  when  the  leaflets 
are  alternately  large  and  small.  Ex.  Silver  weed, 
(Potentilla  imserina.)' 


\&^' 


Fig.  68. 


Fig.  69. 


Fig.  70. 


Bipinnate,  Fig.  70,  (doubly  winged,) 
when  a  common  petiole  bears  pin- 
nate leaves  on  each  of  its  sides.  Ex. 
Mountain  spignell,  (Athamantalilan- 
otis.)  (Mimosa  arborea.) 


When  is  a  leaf  said  to  be  unequally  pinnate  ?     When  abruptly  pinnate  1 
When  alternately  pinnate  ?     When  bipinnate  ? 


POSITION    OF    LEAVES 


37 


Fig.  ?!. 


Tripinnate,  Fig.  71,  (three  times 
winged,)  when  the  common  petiole 
has  bipinnate  leaves  on  each  side. 
The  figure  shows  a  tripinnate  leaf 
ending  with  an  odd  one.  Ex.  An- 
gelica tree,  (Aralia  spinosa.) 


With  respect  to  the  position  of  the  leaf  the  following  dis- 
tinctions are  made,  viz. 


Erect,  Fig.  72,  (upright,)  when  the  leaf  forms 
a  very  acute  angle  with  the  stem.  Ex.  pointed 
Rush,  (Juncus  articulatus,)  Cat's-tail,  (Typha 
latifolia.) 


Horizontal,  Fig.  73,  (spreading,) 
when  the  leaves  are  parallel  with 
the  horizon,  and  form  right  angles 
with  the  stem.  Ex.  Wild  lettuce. 
(Lactuca  sylvestris,)  Boneset,  (Eupa- 
torium  perfoliatum.) 


Reclined,  Fig.  74,  (reflected,)  when  the 
apex  falls  down  so  as  to  be  lower  than  the 
insertion  of  the  petiole.  Ex.  Grass  leaved 
groundsel,  (Senecio  reclinans.) 


Fig.  73. 


When  is  a  leaf  said  to  be  tripinnate  ?     With   respect  to  its  position, 
when  to  be  erect  ?     When  horizontal  ?  When  recline'd  ? 
4 


38 


THE    LEAF. 


Fig.  75. 

Oblique,  Fig.  75,  (twisted,)  when  the 
base  of  the  leaf  is  turned  upwards,  while 
the  part  towards  the  apex  is  horizontal, 
or  inclining  downwards.  Ex.  Crown 
Imperial,  (Fritillaria  obliqua,)  Gel's  Tu- 
lip, (Tulipa  Celsiana.) 

With  respect  to  the  situation  and  insertion  of  the  leaves, 
that  is,  their  places  in  relation  to  each  other,  and  the  manner 
in  which  they  are  connected  with  the  stem,  or  petiole,  the 
following  distinctions  are  made. 


Fig.  76. 


Radical,  Fig.  76,  (root  leaves,) 
when  they  proceed  directly  from  the 
root  generally  around  the  stem,  but 
never  growing  on  it.  Ex.  Dandelion, 
Side-saddle  flower,  (Sarracenia  pur- 
purea.) 


Fig.  73. 


Alternate,  Fig.  77.  Leaves  are  alternate  when 
they  are  inserted  one  after  the  other  on  opposite 
sides  of  the  stem.  Ex.  Large  Pinweed,  ( Lechca 
major,)  (Prenanthes  alba.) 


Opposite,  Fig.  78,  one  against  the  other, 
when  they  are  inserted  at  opposite  points, 
on  each  side  of  the  stem  or  petiole.  Ex. 
Sage,  (Salvia,)  Monkey  flower,  (Mimulus 
ringens. ) 


In   the  majority  of  annual   and  herbaceous   plants,   the 
leaves  are  opposite. 

When  oblique  ?     With  respect  to  situation,  when  are  leaves  radical  T 
When  alternate  ?     When  opposite  ? 


INSERTION    OF    LEAVES. 


39 


Fig.  79 


Stellate,  Fig.  79,  (verticillate,)  or  whorled, 
when  the  leaves  grow  in  a  circle  around  the 
stem.  Ex.  Bedstraw,  (Galium,)  Turk's-cap 
Lily,  (Lilium  martagon.) 


Peltate,  Fig.  80,  (target-shaped,)  where  the 
foot-stalk  is  inserted  into  the  middle  of  the 
leaf,  on  the  under  side,  like  the  arm  of  a  man 
holding  a  shield.  Ex.  Common  Nasturtion, 
(TroptEolum  majus,)  Geranium  peltatum. 

Perfoliate,  Fig.  81,  (leaf-pierced,)  when  the 
stem  runs  through  the  leaf,  or  the  leaf  sur- 
rounds the  stem,  without  any  opening.  With 
respect  to  the  stem,  this  has  already  been  no- 
ticed. Ex.  Bellwort,  (Uvularia  perfoliata.) 


Amplexicaul,  Fig.  82,  (stem-clasping,)  when 
the  leaf  surrounds  the  stem,  except  on  the 
side  opposite  to  the  apex.  Ex.  several  spe- 
cies of  Solomon's  seal,  (Convallaria.)  Also 
several  of  the  Star-worts,  or  Asters. 


Fig.  80. 


Fig.  81. 


Fig. 


Yaginant,  Fig.  83,  (sheathed,)  when  the  base 
of  the  leaf  is  formed  into  a  tube  which  sur- 
rounds the  stem.  Ex.  Most  of  the  grasses. 


When  are  leaves  stellate  ?    When  peltate  ?    When  perfoliate  3    When 
amplexicaul  ?     When  sheathed  ? 


40  THE    LEAF. 

Fig-  84. 


JSMlK; 


Connate,  Fig.  84.  (growing  together,) 
at  the  base,  so  as  to  appear  like  one  leaf. 
Two  opposite,  amplexicaul  leaves  form 
the  connate.  Ex.  Monkey  flower,  (Mim- 
ulvs  ringens.) 

OBSERVATIONS    ON    THE    LEAVES. 

The  leaf  is  most  commonly  a  temporary  part  of  the  plant 
originating  with  the  young  branch  which  supports  it,  or  from 
which  it  grows.  With  the  exception  of  evergreen  plants, 
which  retain  their  foliage  in  cold  climates  during  the  winter, 
the  leaves  shoot  forth  in  the  spring,  flourish  during  the  sum- 
mer, and  perish  and  fall  to  the  ground  towards  the  close  of 
autumn.  A  great  proportion  of  the  beauty  of  trees,  as  well 
as  much  of  the  comfort  they  confer  on  man  and  animals,  arise 
from  their  leaves.  To  all  phenogamous  plants  they  are  of 
the  utmost  importance,  being  the  organs  by  which  they  ab- 
sorb from  the  atmosphere  a  portion  of  their  nourishment. 
The  leaves  of  plants  decompose  the  air,  and  hence  they  per- 
form a  similar  function  in  the  economy  of  vegetation,  that  the 
lungs  do  in  the  animal  economy.  They  are  also  the  organs 
by  which  the  plant  perspires,  thus  performing  the  same  of- 
fice for  the  plant  that  the  skin  does  for  the  animal.  The  pores 
by  which  the  perspiration  is  emitted  are  on  the  under  sides 
of  the  leaves. 

The  leaves  ai  3  much  more  diversified  in  form,  texture,  and 
composition,  than  any  of  the  other  vegetable  organs.  We 
have  seen,  though  in  a  limited  degree,  how  they  differ  in 
form,  surface,  situation,  direction,  distribution,  and  number. 
Some  leaves  are  of  immense  size  ;  while  others  are  so  small 
as  hardly  to  be  distinguished  by  the  naked  eye.  But  there 
appears  to  exist  no  proportion  between  the  size  of  the  leaf 
and  that  of  the  tree  to  which  it  belongs.  Thus  the  leaves  of 
the  Oak,  Birch,  and  Elm,  though  large  trees,  are  not  the  fifth 
part  so  large  as  those  of  the  Skunk  Cabbage,  (Pothos  fcet- 
ida,)  or  Burdock,  (Arctium  lappa.)  It  is  possible,  however, 
that  in  most  cases  their  number  may  compensate  for  their 
diminutive  size.  Thus  we  may  observe  that  where  the 
leaves  are  small,  as  in  the  Pine,  Heath,  Myrtle,  and  many 
other  species,  they  are  immensely  numerous  ;  while  the 

When  connate  ?  Is  the  leaf  a  permanent  or  temporary  part  of  the 
plant  ?  In  what  respect  are  the  leaves  of  plants  like  the  lungs  of  animals  ? 
In  what  respect  are  they  like  the  skin  of  animals  ?  Does  there  exist  any 
proportion  between  the  size  of  the  leaf  and  that  of  the  tree? 


OBSERVATIONS    ON    LEAVES. 

Bass-wood,  (Tilia,)  Chestnut,  and  other  trees  whose  leaves 
are  comparatively  large,  have  also  in  comparison,  few  in 
number. 

Among  perennial  plants,  or  trees,  the  Pine  genus  has  the 
smallest,  and  the  Palm  genus  the  largest  leaves.  Most  of 
the  latter  tribe  are  furnished  with  leaves  of  great  size,  some 
of  them  being  of  such  dimensions  as  to  astonish  the  stranger. 
Among  trees  which  produce  such  leaves  is  the  Fan  palm, 
(Corypha  umbraculifera,)  which  grows  in  the  island  of  Cey- 
lon, and  other  eastern  countries,  where  it  is  called  Talipot 
tree.  This  tree  is  said  to  exceed  in  size  and  dimensions  a 
ship's  mast,  bearing  its  leaves  only  at  the  top.  When  plaited, 
or  folded  together,  as  they  are  Fig.  85. 

when  young,  the  whole  leaf  is 
not  much  larger  than  a  man's 
arm ;  but  when  spread,  they 
are  heart-shaped,  as  represent- 
ed by  Fig.  85,  the  largest  being 
twenty  feet  long,  and  fifteen 
broad.  These  leaves  are  em- 
ployed for  many  purposes  by 
the  natives  of  hot  climates. 
The  soldiers  and  others  cut 
them  into  triangular  pieces, 
which  they  lay  on  their  heads 
to  protect  them  from  the  sun,  or 
shelter  them  from  the  rain. 
When  on  a  march  these  leaves 

form  the  tents  under  which  the  soldiers  encamp,  and  the  huts 
under  which  the  travelling  natives  sleep.  They  also  serve 
for  paper  on  which  the  natives  write.  The  tree  bears  no 
fruit  until  the  last  year  of  its  life,  when  it  puts  forth  yellow 
blossoms  from  its  top,  most  lovely  to  behold,  but  which  smell 
so  strong  and  disagreeable,  that  "when  it  grows  near  their 
houses,  the  people  cut  it  down  before  it  blossoms.  The  fruit 
is  a  hard  seed  no  larger  than  a  cherry,  and  not  fit  to  eat,  but 
the  trunk  contains  a  pith  which  the  natives  beat  in  a  mortar, 
and  of  this  they  make  cakes,  which  taste  not  much  unlike 
white  bread. 

We  have  remarked  that  leaves  serve  very  important  purpo- 
ses in  the  economy  of  vegetation,  and  that  they  perform  the 

What  tribe  of  plants  have  the  smallest,  and  what  the  largest  leaves  ? 
What  is  said  of  the  size,  and  uses  of  the  fan  palm  ? 

4* 


4*2  THE    LEAF. 

double  offices  of  absorbing  and  emitting  both  liquids  and 
gases.  The  effects  which  the  leaves  of  plants  produce  on 
the  air  they  absorb,  or  inhale,  has  been  the  subject  of  very 
laborious  experiments.  The  chemical  changes  which  have 
been  ascertained  to  be  thus  produced  are  too  important  not  to 
be  noticed  in  this  place.  "  The  most  important  chemical 
phenomenon,"  says  Professor  Lindley,  "  connected  with  the 
growth  of  plants,  is  the  property  possessed  by  their  leaves, 
or  green  parts,  of  absorbing  and  parting  with  carbonic  acid  in 
the  dark,  and  parting  with  their  oxygen  under  the  influence 
of  the  sun." 

"  No  plant  can  long  exist  [live]  in  which  an  alternate  ab- 
sorption and  expulsion  of  oxygen  does  not  take  place,  except 
the  Fungi  [mushrooms.]  The  expulsion  of  oxygen  is  deter- 
mined by  the  quantity  of  light  to  which  the  plant  is  exposed. 
Light  causes  the  decomposition  of  the  carbonic  acid  gas,  and 
the  accumulation  of  solid  matter  [in  the  plant.]  Hence  if  a 
plant  is  exposed  to  too  strong  a  light,  it  generally  perishes 
from  the  excessive  expulsion  of  oxygen.  And  if  it  is  not 
exposed  to  the  influence  of  light,  it  dies  from  the  accumula- 
tion of  that  principle.  If  there  is  too  great  an  accumulation 
of  oxygen,  an  attempt  will  always  be  made  by  the  plant  to 
reach  the  light,  for  the  purpose  of  parting  with  the  superflu- 
ity ;  as  in  seeds  which  in  germination  shoot  from  darkness 
into  the  light.  If  this  cannot  be  effected,  etiolation  [whiten- 
ing] first  takes  place,  which  is  caused  by  the  accumulation  of 
oxygen,  and  the  consequent  non-deposition  of  carbon,  and 
death  succeeds." — Natural  System. 

From  these  principles,  or  rather  from  experiments  on  which 
these  principles  have  been  founded,  we  learn  that  if  a  plant 
be  confined  to  a  close  vessel  in  the  dark,  containing  a  certain 
portion  of  atmospheric  air,  the  vegetation  of  the  plant  will 
convert  the  oxygen  which  the  air  contains  (being  20  parts  to 
every  100  of  the  whole)  into  carbonic  acid.  This  change 
the  leaves  effect  during  the  absence  of  light,  by  first  absorb- 
ing the  oxygen,  which  then  combines  with  a  portion  of  the 
carbon,  contained  in  the  leaf,  after  which  the  compound  gas 
is  expelled,  and  thus  the  oxygen  the  vessel  contained  is  con- 
verted into  carbonic  acid. 

If  now  the  plant  is  exposed  to  the  direct  rays  of  the  sun 
in  the  same  glass  vessel,  and  containing  the  carbonic  acid. 

What  are  the  most  important  chemical  phenomena  produced  by  the 
eaves  of  plants  ?  Under  what  circumstances  do  plants  emit  and  absorb 
oxygen  ?  When  does  a  plant  convert  oxygen  into  carbonic  acid  ? 


OBSERVATIONS    ON    LEAVES.  43 

(which  gas  is  composed  of  carbon  and  oxygen,)  this  gas  will 
be  absorbed,  but  the  carbon  will  be  retained  to  increase  the 
growth  of  the  plant,  while  the  oxygen  gas  will  be  returned, 
and  thus  that  portion  of  the  air  which  was  converted  into 
carbonic  acid  during  the  night,  will  be  re-converted  into  oxy- 
gen gas  again  during  the  day. 

These  surprising  changes,  which  are  performed  by  the  vi- 
tal powers  of  the  plant,  or  during  its  growing  state,  are  sup- 
posed to  be  the  means,  at  least  in  part,  by  which  plants  in- 
crease ;  for  by  other  experiments  it  has  been  found,  that 
when  any  growing  vegetable  is  confined  in  a  portion  of  car- 
bonic acid  made  by  art,  the  carbon  is  absorbed  and  retained, 
while  the  oxygen  is  returned. 

Now  it  is  also  known  by  experiments  that  the  atmosphere 
always  contains  a  portion  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  and  that  the 
solid  part  of  vegetables  growing  in  the  open  air,  is  chiefly 
carbon.  From  these  facts  it  is  inferred  that  the  increase,  or 
growth  of  plants,  depends  much  on  the  carbon  which  they  ab- 
sorb from  the  atmosphere,  in  the  form  of  carbonic  acid,  the 
oxygen  being  emitted,  while  the  carbon  is  retained. 

If  there  is  too  great  an  accumulation  of  oxygen,  as  when 
a  plant  is  kept  in  a  dark  place,  then  it  will  grow  towards  the 
nearest  ray  of  light,  which  if  it  does  not  reach,  it  will  re- 
main white,  or  etiolated,  and  sickly.  In  this  state,  as  when 
a  potato  shoots  out  its  stem  in  a  cellar,  plants  contain  little 
carbon,  being  chiefly  composed  of  water  and  sap,  but  as  soon 
as  they  gain  the  influence  of  the  sun,  they  begin  to  part  with 
oxygen,  increase  their  quantity  of  carbon,  and  assume  a  green 
and  healthy  aspect.  These  circumstances  seem  to  explain 
the  reason  why  many  kinds  of  fruit,  when  gathered  green 
and  laid  in  the  sun,  soon  part  with  their  harsh  sour  taste,  and 
become  mild,  sweet  and  agreeable,  or,  in  other  words,  ripen. 
By  the  influence  of  the  light,  their  superabundance  of  oxy- 
gen on  which  their  acerb  taste  depended,  is  expelled,  and  at 
the  same  time  the  carbonaceous  matter  and  the  essential  oil, 
on  which  their  agreeable  flavor  depends,  are  increased.  That 
these  changes  are  produced  by  the  influence  of  light,  and  not 
by  the  heat  of  the  sun  alone,  is  proved  by  the  well  known 

When  does  a  plant  convert  carbonic  acid  into  oxygen  ?  In  what  man- 
ner are  the  solid  parts  of  vegetables  accumulated  ?  Why  do  plants  grow- 
ing in  the  dark  remain  white  and  sickly  ?  In  what  respect  is  the  composi- 
tion of  such  plants  deficient  ?  Why  do  green  fruits  laid  in  the  sun  be- 
come sweet  and  pleasant  to  the  taste  ? 


44  THF    LEAF. 

fact  that  if  apples  and  pears  in  a  green  state  be  placed  in 
tho  dark,  they  do  not  ripen  under  any  degree  of  heat,  but 
soon  decay. 

Absorption  of  Fluids. — With  respect  to  the  absorption  of 
fluids  by  the  leaves  of  plants,  and  their  emission  of  fluids,  or 
perspiration,  experiments  have  determined  that  this  office  is 
performed  chiefly  by  their  under  surfaces.  It  is  well  known 
that  when  a  single  branch  of  a  plant  is  placed  in  a  vessel 
of  water  during  a  dry  season,  the  whole  plant  will  revive 
and  continue  to  grow,  though  no  moisture  be  given  to  the 
root.  If,  however,  the  under  surfaces  of  the  leaves  be  first 
covered  with  oil  or  varnish,  so  that  no  water  can  be  absorbed 
by  these  parts,  no  such  effect  will  be  produced,  and  the  herb 
will  wither,  as  though  no  water  had  been  applied.  Again,  if 
a  green  leaf  be  plucked,  and  laid  with  its  upper  surface  on 
the  water,  it  will  wither  nearly  as  soon  as  if  no  water 
touched  it.  But  if  it  be  placed  with  its  under  surface  on  the 
water  it  will  remain  green  for  weeks. 

Irritability  of  Plants. — The  irritability  of  plants,  as  indica- 
ted by  their  leaves,  and  sometimes  by  their  flowers,  also  pre- 
sents a  subject  of  curiosity  and  interest.  ]VIany  flowers  col- 
lapse, or  cl^se  their  petals  during  the  night,  or  when  carried 
into  a  dark  place  during  the  day.  Some  are  so  sensitive  as 
to  begin  to  collapse  whenever  the  sun  is  obscured  by  a  cloud, 
even  for  only  a  few  minutes,  and  expand  again  as  suddenly, 
when  the  light  becomes  strong.  This  collapse  is  called  the 
sleep  of  plants. 

The  Sensitive  Plant  (Mimosa  sensitiva,)  possesses  this  prop- 
erty to  an  uncommon  'degree.  Its  branches,  or  leaves,  on 
being  touched  with  the  finger,  instantly  begin  to  retire.  The 
branch  drops  down  from  its  erect  position,  while  its  leaves 
fold  themselves  closely  together.  The  same  effect  is  produ- 
ced on  withdrawing  the  light,  or  during  the  darkness  of  night. 
It  is  said  that  a  highly  interesting  effect  is  produced  on  con- 
veying a  strong  light  into  a  room  containing  Sensitive  Plants, 
during  the  night.  They  soon  begin  to  indicate  by  their  mo- 
tions, that  they  are  disturbed  in  their  sleep,  and  as  they  awake, 
their  branches  and  leaves,  from  being  in  a  collapsed  and  tor- 
pid state,  become  erect,  as  though  sensible  of  the  presence 

Whru  part  of  the  leaf  performs  the  office  of  absorption  and  emission  of 
fluids  ?  How  is  it  proved  that  these  offices  are  performed  by  the  under 
surface  of  the  leaf?  What  is  meant  by  the  irritability  of  plants  ?  What 
plant  is  D^culiarly  irritable  ?  What  is  said  to  be  tho  effect  of  carrying  a 
strong  light  into  a  dark  room  containing  sensitive  plants  ? 


FALL    OF    LEAVES.  45 

of  visiters.  The  humble  plant,  Mimosa  pudica,  possesses 
similar  properties. 

The  irritability  of  plants  is  also  shown,  by  the  fact,  that 
poisons  operate  on  them  in  the  same  manner  that  they  do  on 
animals.  A  weak  solution  of  corrosive  sublimate,  or  of  ar- 
senic, kills  plants,  by  bringing  on  a  kind  of  inflammation,  or  if 
made  stronger,  destroys  them  directly  by  corrosion.  These 
poisons  operate  in  the  same  manner  on  the  animal  system. 
Vegetable  poisons,  such  as  prussic  acid,  kill  plants  by 
destroying  their  irritability,  and  on  animals  this  fluid  produces 
precisely  the  same  effect. 

Fall  of  the  Leaf. — The  fall  of  the  leaf  appears  to  be  inti- 
mately connected  with  the  irritability  of  the  plant.  This  takes 
place  in  some  plants  earlier  in  the  season  than  in  others.  In 
general,  perennial  plants,  or  trees,  begin  to  drop  their  leaves 
about  the  middle  of  autumn.  This  is  preceded  by  a  change 
of  color,  indicating  that  their  vegetating  powers  have  become 
exhausted,  arid  that  their  irritability,  or  vital  energies,  have 
ceased  to  act,  at  least  for  the  season.  This  process  is  rapidly 
increased  by  the  accession  of  frost,  which  in  a  single  night, 
by  stopping  entirely  the  motion  of  the  sap  into  these  organs, 
often  leaves  them  perfectly  dead  in  their  places,  and  by  the 
morning  breeze,  the  tree  is  totally  stripped  of  its  foliage. 

The  different  colors  which  the  different  species  of  forest 
trees  assume  at  this  season,  afford  to  the  eye  one  of  the  most 
"  splendid  objects  of  an  autumnal  landscape,"  while  to  the 
mind  of  a  rational  being,  it  ought  to  become  the  subject  of 
deep  and  profitable  contemplation.  The  change  which  the 
leaf  undergoes,  and  its  "fall"  is  but  an  illustration  of  the 
state  of  all  mortal  beings,  and  a  type  of  their  final  descent  to 
the  grave.  Disease,  or  old  age,  will  as  certainly  exhaust  the 
vital  powers,  and  destroy  the  irritability  of  man,  as  the  autumn, 
and  the  frost,  do  that  of  the  leaf,  and  like  it,  we  must  all 
sooner  or  later,  fall  to  the  ground,  and  "  return  dust  to  dust." 

Duration  of  Leaves. — In  general,  trees  which  put  forth 
their  leaves  earliest  in  the  spring,  begin  to  lose  them  earliest 
in  the  fall,  though  this  is  not  universally  the  case.  Evergreen 
trees,  such  as  Laurel  (Kalmia,)  and  Rosebay,  (Rhododendron,) 
do  not  let  fall  their  leaves  during  the  usual  season,  but 

In  wtat  manner  do  poisons  operate  on  plants  ?  How  is  the  fall  of  the 
leaf  connected  with  the  irritability  of  plants  ?  Is  there  any  proportion 
between  the  time  in  which  trees  put  forth  their  leaves  in  the  spring,  and 
lose  them  in  the  fall  ? 


46  THt    LEAF. 

preserve  their  green  foliage  during  the  winter,  and  through 
the  year. 

These  species  throw  off  their  leaves  gradually,  one  after 
another,  while  new  ones  spring  forth  to  supply  their  places. 
All  plants,  therefore,  whether  annual,  perennial,  or  evergreen, 
shed  their  leaves.  In  annual,  or  deciduous  plants,  these 
organs  are  produced  only  for  the  season,  and  having  per- 
formed the  functions  for  which  they  were  designed,  decay 
and  fall  to  the  ground  ;  while  in  evergreen  plants,  these  parts 
being  designed  for  a  different,  or  more  extensive  purpose, 
are  supplied  with  new  leaves  as  fast  as  the  old  ones  decay. 
There  is,  however,  a  difference  in  this  respect,  depending  on 
the  climate  where  the  same  species  are  cultivated.  Thus 
some  plants  which  are  deciduous,  or  lose  their  leaves  in  our 
climate,  become  evergreens  when  removed  beyond  the  reach 
of  frost,  or  are  protected  in  a  green-house.  The  Kidney 
bean,  (Phaseolus,)  becomes  an  evergreen  when  protected 
from  the  frost. 

Botanists  have  offered  various  reasons  with  respect  to  the 
cause  which  produces  the  fall  of  the  leaf.  The  opinion  of 
Sir  James  E.  Smith,  on  this  subject,  is  perhaps  the  most  sim- 
ple and  satisfactory,  and  at  the  same  time  has  the  advantage 
of  being  easily  understood.  He  supposes  that  this  phenome- 
non arises  merely  from  the  sloughing  of  the  diseased  or  dead 
part,  on  the  same  principle  that  a  separation  takes  place  be- 
tween dead  and  living  flesh.  Every  one  knows  that  if  he 
crushes  the  end  of  his  finger,  so  as  to  destroy  the  vitality  of 
that  part,  a  separation  will  take  place  between  the  dead  and 
living  flesh.  This  effect  is  produced  by  the  vital  action  of 
the  sound  flesh,  which  thus  removes  the  lifeless  and  offensive 
part,  and  finally  restores  the  injury  by  producing  a  new  part 
in  the  place  of  that  which  was  dead.  The  same  effect  ap- 
pears to  take  place  with  respect  to  the  dead  leaf.  A  separa- 
tion takes  place  between  the  lifeless  petiole,  and  the  living 
branch  of  the  tree,  by  the  vital  action  of  the  latter,  and  in 
consequence  of  which,  the  leaf  is  cast  off,  to  be  renewed 
again  the  next  year.  That  this  is  the  true  solution,  seems  to 
be  proved  by  the  circumstance,  that  if  a  tree  be  cut  down,  or 
its  life  otherwise  destroyed,  when  covered  with  leaves,  no 
separation  takes  place,  because  the  vital  action  of  the  tree 

Do  evergreen  trees  cast  off  their  leaves  ?  What  is  said  of  the  effect  of 
climate  in  producing  the  iall  of  the  leaf  ?  What  is  the  opinion  of  Sit 
James  E.  Smith  with  respect  to  the  cause  of  the  fall  of  the  leaf?  When 
the  life  of  a.  tree  is  destroyed  in  the  summer,  whv  do  not  its  leaves  fall  ? 


CURIOUS    LEAVES.  47 

has  ceased,  and  the  leaves  wither  in  their  places,  but  do  not 
fall. 

Singular  Leaves. — Before  leaving  this  subject,  we  will 
notice  two  or  three  curious  leaves  which  have  not  yet  been 
mentioned. 

There  are  a  few  species  of  plants  which  produce  leaves  in 
the  form  of  hollow  cylinders,  or  cups,  and  which  were  un- 
doubtedly intended  by  the  Great  Author  of  nature  to  contain 
water,  either  for  the  nourishment  of  the  plants  themselves,  or 
for  the  sustenance  of  men,  or  animals. 

Nepenthes. — The  Chinese  Pitcher  plant,  (Ne-  J^g.  86- 
penthcs  distillatoria,)  Fig.  86,  is  among  the  most 
extraordinary  receptacles  of  this  kind.  It  grows 
in  the  East  Indies,  as  well  as  in  China.  The 
tree  is  an  evergreen,  and  bears  that  kind  of 
flower  which  botanists  call  a  panicle.  The 
leaves  are  sessile,  or  joined  to  the  stem  without 
the  intervention  of  a  petiole.  At  the  end  of  the 
leaf  there  is  an  elongation  of  the  midrib,  like  a 
tendril,  six  or  eight  inches  long.  The  extremity 
of  this  swells  into  a  hollow  cylinder,  or  cup,  as 
seen  in  the  figure,  and  hence  the  name  Pitcher  plant.  This 
cup  commonly  contains  nearly  half  a  pint  of  very  pure  water. 
It  is  furnished  with  a  kind  of  lid,  and  hence  it  is  most  proba- 
ble that  the  water  is  produced  by  the  action  of  certain  organs 
of  the  plant,  designed  for  this  purpose,  and  that  it  is  riot  the 
product  of  rain.  In  Ceylon,  where  this  plant  is  common,  it  is 
called  monkey  cup,  because  these  cunning  animals,  when 
thirsty,  and  there  is  no  stream  at  hand,  open  the  lid  and  drink 
the  contents.  Men,  also,  when  travelling,  or  hunting  in  the 
woods,  often  find  the  water  of  this  pitcher  an  agreeable  means 
of  assuaging  their  thirst. 

Tillandsia.—The  Bladder  Tillandsia,  (Tillandsia  utricu- 
lata.)  is  also  a  reservoir  of  water.  This  plant  is  a  parasite, 
that  is,  it  lives  and  grows  on  other  trees,  without  descending 
to  the  earth  for  its  nourishment.  Its  seeds  are  carried  about 
by  the  wind,  and  stick  to  other  trees,  especially  decaying 
ones.  Here  they  germinate,  and  send  out  small  fibres,  which 
take  hold  of  the  bark,  and  then  weave  themselves  together 
into  a  mat  of  considerable  size  and  strength.  From  this 
foundation  there  arise  several  leaves,  like  those  of  the 
Aloe,  or  Pine  Apple.  These  are  folded  or  enclosed,  one 

What  extraordinary  form  has  the  Chinese  pitcher  plant  ?  In  what 
manner  does  the  Tillandsia  retain  and  preserve  water  for  the  use  of  man  ? 


48  THE    LEAF 

within  the  other,  forming  a  bundle  several  feet  long,  on 
the  inside  of  which  there  is  a  hollow  cavity,  capable  of  hold- 
ing a  quart  of  water.  The  rain,  during  the  wet  season,  fall- 
ing on  the  spreading  leaves,  runs  down  in  their  small  channels 
into  this  cavity,  or  bottle,  and  as  the  leaves  touch  each  other 
on  all  sides,  evaporation  is  almost  entirely  prevented.  The 
water  is  therefore  retained  until  the  dry  season,  when  it  often 
affords  timely  relief  to  the  thirsty  traveller,  in  the  hottest 
and  driest  parts  of  South  America  and  the  West  Indies.  The 
traveller,  Dampier,  speaking  of  this  plant,  says,  "  we  stick 
our  knives  into  the  leaves  just  above  the  root,  and  that  lets 
out  the  water,  which  we  catch  in  our  hats,  as  I  have  done 
many  times  to  my  great  relief." 

Sarracenia. — We  have  one  native  plant  growing  in  the  peat 
bogs  of  New  England,  whose  leaves  hold  water.  This  is  the 
Side-saddle  flower.  Its  botanical  name  is  Sarracenia,  which 
is  derived  from  Dr.  Sarazin,  of  Quebec,  who  first  sent  it  to 
Europe  about  1752.  Its  common  name  is  derived  from  the 
resemblance  of  its  stigma  to  a  woman's  pillion.  The  stem  rises 
a  foot  high,  and  bears  a  singular,  but  beautiful  purple  flower. 
The  leaves,  which  are  hollow,  are  from  four  to  eight  to  each 
root,  and  surround  the  stem  like  radii  from  a  centre,  and  rest  on 
the  ground.  They  are  of  an  oblong  form,  swelling  in  the 
middle,  and  gradually  contracting  to  form  the  foot-stalk. 
Their  open  mouths,  which  are  of  considerable  size,  are  some- 
what elevated,  and  contracted  at  the  border,  so  that  in  the 
natural  position  they  retain  the  water  when  nearly  full. 
And  on  the  lower  side  of  the  mouth  there  is  a  broad  spread- 
ing appendage,  which  catches  the  water  and  directs  it  into 
the  cup.  These  cups  contain  a  wine  glass  of  water,  and 
unless  pierced  by  some  insect,  are  seldom  empty. 

ARMS,    OR    APPENDAGES    OF   PLANTS. 

Besides  the  essential  parts  of  a  perfect  plant,  such  as  the 
Root,  Stem,  Leaves,  <fcc.,  many  species  are  furnished  with 
Arms,  or  Append'ages,  which  are  peculiar  to  themselves,  and 
are  entirely  wanting  in  other  species.  These  appendages, 
Linnaeus  called  Fulcra,  or  props,  though  this  name  applies 
only  to  such  of  them  as  help  to  sustain  or  support  the  plant. 
The  number  of  these  appendages  commonly  enumerated,  is 

Whence  does  the  plant  Sarracenia  derive  its  two  names  ?  What  are  the 
peculiarities  of  the  side-saddle  flower  ?  What  are  meant  by  the  arms  or 
appendages  of  plants  ? 


ARMATUHE. 


seven,  and  are  known  by  the  following  names,  viz  :    Stipule 
Bract,  Thorn,  Prickle,  Tendril,  Gland,  and  Hair. 

Stipula,  (Stipules,)  Fig.  87,  are  leafy 
appendages  to  the  proper  leaves,  or  their 
foot  stalks.  They  are  commonly  smaller 
than  the  principal  leaves,  and  are  situated 
at  their  bases  in  pairs.  In  some  plants 
these  parts  soon  fall  off,  but  in  others 
they  continue  as  long  as  the  leaves  them- 
selves. Examples  are  seen  in  the  Rose, 
Pea,  Wild  Cherry,  and  Garden  Violet. 
In  the  latter  plant,  they  are  as  large  as 
the  proper  leaves,  and  are  readily  distin- 
guished by  their  lyrate-pinnatifid  shape,  while  the  leaves  are 
oblong  and  serrate.  The  shape  of  this  part  is  very  different 
in  different  plants. 

Fig.  88. 


In  the  grasses  it  is  situated  within  the  leaf,  and  is 
of  the  shape  represented  by  d,  Fig.  88.  Its  situ- 
ation is  generally  peculiar  to  each  species  where 
it  exists.  In  a  great  proportion  of  plants  it  is 
wanting  entirely. 


Bracts,  (floral  leaves,)  Fig.  89.  This  is 
a  leafy  appendage  to  the  flower,  or  its  foot- 
stalk, and  is  of  a  variety  of  forms  and 
colors.  It  is  not  situated  like  the  stipule 
at  the  bases  of  the  leaves,  but  on  the  pe- 
duncle of  the  flower.  It  is  much  smaller 
than  the  true  leaf,  and  is  at  a  distance 
from  it.  In  some  plants  it  falls  off  with 
the  leaf,  while  in  others  it  remains  after 
the  leaf  and  flower  have  fallen.  In  the  Lime  Tree,  or  Bass- 
wood,  (Tilia  Europea,)  it  remains  during  the  whole  winter. 
In  one  species  of  Sage,  (Salvia  sclara,}  it  is  sometimes 
difficult  to  distinguish  this  part  from  the  true  leaves.  In  the 
Painted  cup,  (Euchroma  Coccinea,)  it  forms  the  only  beautiful 
part  of  the  flower. 

What  are  the  stipules  of  plants  ?  Are  the  stipules  found  in  similar 
situations  on  all  plants  ?  WThat  are  the  bracts  ?  Where  are  the  bracts 
situated  ? 


50 


ARMATURE. 


Fig.  91. 


Thorn,   (spine,)    Fig.   90.     This  is  a    well          Fi^  -90 
known    and   sometimes  very  troublesome  ap- 
pendage.    It  originates   in   the    wood   of  the 
plant,  with  which  it  forms  a  part.     It  is  some- 
times found  on  large  trees,  as  the  Honey-locust, 
(Gleditschia,)  but  is  more  common  on   shrubs, 
as  the  common  Thorn  bush.     In  some  species, 
this  part  disappears  by  culture,  as  in  the  Pear 
tree.     Hence  Linnaeus  denominates  such  plants  as  tamed,  or 
deprived  of  their  natural  ferocity. 

Prickle,  (Aculeus,)  Fig.  91.  This  part  arises 
from  the  bark  only,  as  in  the  Rose  and  Briar,  and 
does  not  disappear  by  cultivation.  If  the  Bark  be 
stripped  from  the  Rose  stem,  the  prickles  come 
off  with  it,  but  if  stripped  from  the  Thorn  bush, 
the  thorns  will  remain  attached  to  the  wood  ;  a 
proof  that  thorns  are  attached  to  the  wood,  and 
prickles  to  the  bark. 

Tendril,  (clasper,)  Fig.  92.  This  is  the  true 
fulcrum,  or  support  of  many  plants,  being  de- 
signed to  sustain  weak  and  climbing  stems, 
which  have  not  sufficient  strength  to  support 
themselves.  The  tendril  proceeds  either  from 
the  side  of  the  stem,  as  in  the  Gourd,  from  the 
end  of  the  leaf,  as  in  the  Gloriosa  superba. 
or  sometimes  from  the  end  of  the  flower  stalk. 

The  tendrils  of  the  Gourd,  and  of  most  other  plants,  are  at 
first  straight,  and  appear  to  reach  forward  for  the  purpose  of 
finding  some  support  on  which  to  lay  hold.  After  having 
taken  hold  of  some  support,  they  soon  make  several  turns 
around  it,  and  then  coil  themselves  into  the  form  of  a  spiral 
spring,  so  that  when  the  wind  blows  they  have  an  elastic  at- 
tachment, which  often  prevents  their  being  torn  from  their 
places.  The  tendrils  of  the  Gourd  will  remain  straight  and 
reaching  for  several  days,  unless  they  sooner  find  something 
to  entwine  themselves  around  :  while  if  a  twig  be  placed 
within  their  reach,  they  will  make  several  turns  around  it  in 
as  many  hours.  Few  plants  exhibit  the  uses  or  beauty  of 
this  part  so  strikingly  as  the  common  Gourd.  In  some 

Does  the  thorn  originate  in  the  wood,  or  in  the  bark  ?  How  does  the 
prickle  differ  from  the  thorn  ?  What  is  the  use  of  the  tendril,  or  clasper  ? 
From  what  parts  of  the  plant  do  the  tendrils  proceed  ?  What  plant  is 
mentioned  as  showing  in  a  peculiar  manner  the  use  and  beauty  of  the 
tendril  ? 


THE    FLOWER.  3M 

plants  the  foot-stalks  of  the  leaves  perform  the  office  ot 
tendrils,  as  in  the  common  Nasturtion,  and  Virgin's  bower, 
(Clematis  cirrhosa.) 

Gland,  Fig.  93.  This  is  a  small 
tumor  which  discharges  a  fluid  that  is 
eilher  resinous,  oily,  or  saccharine.  It 
is  situated  on  various  parts,  as  on  the 
back  of  the  leaf,  on  the  petiole,  or 
sometimes  between  the  notches  of 
the  leaves.  Some  glands  are  raised 
from  the  surface  by  little  foot-stalks, 
as  at  g  in  the  figure  where  they  are 
situated  on  the  petiole,  and  appear 
like  small  tubercles.  Others  are 
hardly  raised  above  the  surface,  appearing  like  dots,  scales, 
or  minute  bladders,  as  in  the  leaves  of  the  Plum,  and  Peach 
The  Moss  rose  owes  its  peculiarity  of  appearance,  about  the 
calyx  and  flower-stalk,  to  its  glands. 

Pubescence. — This  term  includes  the  clothing  of  plants, 
such  as  Hair,  Wool,  Bristles,  Stings,  &c.  These  slight  ap- 
pendages differ  considerably  from  each  other  in  form,  soft- 
ness, color,  and  other  particulars.  Their  individual  names 
are  taken  from  some  well  known  substance,  or  thing  which 
they  are  supposed  most  nearly  to  resemble.  Thus  the  cloth- 
ing of  the  Mullein  is  woolly ;  that  of  the  Primula  villosa,  is 
velvety ;  that  on  the  under  side  of  the  Colt's  foot,  ( Tussilago,) 
is  downy ;  while  that  of  the  common  Nettle  is  prickly. 


THE  FLOWER. 

Having  described  the  different  parts  of  a  plant  from  the 
root  upward,  we  come  now  to  describe  the  flower.  This 
part,  which  is  the  chief  object  of  culture  to  the  florist,  is 
equally  important  to  the  scientific  Botanist,  since  on  it  de- 
pends the  distinction,  and  systematic  arrangement  of  the  plant 
o  which  it  belongs. 

What  are  the  glands  of  plants  ?  What  are  the  appearances  of  glands, 
ar  d  where  are  they  situated  ?  On  what  account  is  the  flower  of  iinpor 
taice'to  the  Botanist  ? 


52  THE    FLOWER. 

It  is  obvious  that  flowers  consist  of  several  parts  which 
<hffer  from  each  other  in  respect  to  color,  shape,  hardness, 
durability,  and  texture.  The  beauty  of  this  part  as  a  whole, 
indeed,  depends  in  a  great  measure  on  the  variety  of  color 
and  shape  which  the  different  parts  present.  Thus  the  red 
Rose  would  lose  much  of  its  beauty,  were  its  centre  colored 
red  instead  of  yellow,  and  were  this  part  formed  of  petals  in- 
stead of  stamens  and  pistils.  Nor  could  the  Passion  flower 
claim  such  pre-eminence  among  the  beauties  and  singularities 
of  the  garden,  did  it  not  possess,  in  addition  to  its  contrast  of 
colors,  such  peculiarities  in  the  forms  of  its  different  parts. 
Now  botanical  descriptions  depend,  to  a  certain  degree,  on 
the  differences  which  the  parts  of  different  flowers  present, 
and  therefore  it  is  necessary  that  each  part  should  have  its 
appropriate  name,  so  that  it  may  be  distinguished  from  all 
other  parts.  No  two  flowers  of  different  classes  exactly  re- 
semble each  other,  for  were  this  the  case,  they  would  belong 
to  the  same  species.  It  is  the  difference  in  their  forms  and 
number,  and  situation  of  their  corresponding  parts,  that  forms 
the  basis  of  their  scientific  arrangement  into  classes,  orders, 
&c.  As  we  proceed,  we  hope  to  make  this  important  part 
of  botany  both  interesting  and  easily  comprehended. 

Calyx,  Fig.  94.  The  Calyx  or  flower  cup,  is  Fi«- 
the  external  part  of  the  flower,  or  the  cup  in  which 
the  petals  are  placed.  It  is  generally  of  the  color 
of  the  leaves,  which  it  also  resembles  in  texture. 
This  part  has  a  great  variety  of  forms  in  the  differ- 
ent genera,  and  in  accordance  has  received  several  appro- 
priate names,  which  will  be  explained  in  their  proper  places. 
Sometimes  the  calyx  consists  of  several  distinct  parts,  or 
leaves,  called  sepals,  and  sometimes  it  consists  of  only  a  sin- 
gle piece,  when  it  is  called  monophyllous,  or  single  leaved, 
from  monos,  one,  and  phullon,  a  leaf.  The  calyx  here  repre- 
sented is  monophyllous,  and  five  parted  ;  that  is,  it  consists 
of  five  parts  above,  which  are  all  united  at  the  base.  Ex. 
Bugloss,  (Anchusa,)  Tobacco,  (Nicotiana.)  In  the  Lily  and 
several  other  genera,  the  calyx  is  wanting. 

On  what  does  the  beauty  of  the  flower  depend  ?  What  part  of  the 
flower  is  the  calyx  ?  What  are  the  leaves,  or  distinct  parts  of  the  calyx 
called  ?  When  is  the  calyx  called  monophyllous  ? 


THE    FLOWER. 


53 


Fig.  90. 


Corolla,  Fig.  95.     This  is  the  delicate,  Fi«-  95- 

colored  part  of  the  flower,  generally  con- 
sisting of  several  pieces  called  petals  It 
is  situated  within  the  calyx,  and  consti- 
tutes the  chief  beauty  of  the  flower.  In 
the  red  Rose,  the  corolla  is  red,  and  con- 
sists of  a  great  number  of  petals.  In  the 
Morning  Glory  it  consists  of  only  a  sin- 
gle piece,  and  is  of  various  colors,  as 
blue,  red,  or  white. 

The  Calyx  and  Corolla  are  represent- 
ed in  their  natural  positions  with  respect 
to  each  other  by  Fig.  96.  The  Calyx 
occupies  the  inferior  arid  outer  portion  of 
the  flower,  being  the  part  to  which  the 
stem  is  joined,  and  in  which  the  corolla 
is  placed.  When  the  corolla  consists  of 
a  single  piece,  it  is  called  monopctalous. 
When  the  corolla  is  inserted,  or  comes 
out  below  the  germen,  it  is  said  to  be  in- 
ferior, and  when  above  the  germen  it  is 
said  to  be  superior. 

Stamens,  or  Stamina,  Fig.  97.  The 
stamens  consist  each  of  two  parts,  viz. 
the  anther,  a,  and  the  filament,  b.  The 
filament  merely  serves  to  elevate  the  an- 
ther, and  is  not  an  essential  part  of  the 
flower,  being  absent  in  many  species. 
The  anther  is  an  essential  part,  as  it  con- 
tains the  pollen,  or  dust,  without  the  influ- 
ence of  which,  the  species  are  not  perpetuated,  or  in  other 
words  the  seeds  will  not  grow.  When  the  filaments  are 
wanting,  the  anthers  are  situated  on  the  germen,  or  are  at- 
tached to  some  other  part  of  the  flower,  as  the  corolla. 

What  part  of  the  flower  is  the  corolla"?  Which  is  the  calyx,  and  which 
the  corolla,  in  Fig.  96 1  When  is  the  corolla  Monopetalous  1  When  is 
the  corolla  inferior,  and  when  superior  ?  Of  h  3w  many  parts  does  each 
etamen  consist  1  Where  is  the  anther  situated  1  What  is  the  use  of  the 
anther  I 


Fig.  97. 


54 


THE    FLOWER. 


Fig.  99. 


Pistil,  or  Pistillum,  Fig.  98.  The  Pistil  consists  Fis- 
of  three  parts,  viz  :  the  germen,  or  seed  bud,  a,  which 
is  the  rudiment  of  the  young  fruit ;  the  style,  b,  which 
is  attached  to  the  germen,  and  serves  to  elevate  the 
stigma  ;  and  the  stigma,  c,  which  like  the  anther  is 
indispensable.  In  some  plants  the  style,  like  the 
filament,  is  wanting,  the  stigma  being  attached  im- 
mediately to  the  germen. 

The  form,  colors,  consistence,  size,  and  duration  of 
these  parts  are  exceedingly  various  in  different  plants, 
but  after  a  little  practice  the  pupil  will  find  no  difficulty  in  dis- 
tinguishing them  in  most  of  the  perfect  flowers. 

The  positions  in  which  the  stigma,  style,  an- 
thers, filaments,  and  germens,  are  placed  with  re- 
spect to  ea-ch  other  in  the  White  Lily  are  repre- 
sented by  Fig.  99.  All  these  parts,  it  will  be 
observed,  are  internal  with  respect  to  the  co- 
rolla, the  pistil  being  in  the  centre  of  the  whole. 
Around  the  pistil,  and  between  it  and  the  corol- 
la stand  the  stamens.  The  stigma  is  placed  on 
the  summit  of  the  style,  as  the  anthers  are  on 
the  tops  of  the  filaments,  while  the  germen  is  placed  at  the 
lower  extremity  of  the  style  and  in  the  midst  of  the  filaments. 

Havingthus  described  each 
most  important  part  of  a 
flower  separately,  so  that  the 
pupil  may  be  enabled  to  dis- 
tinguish them  as  individuals, 
the  whole,  with  the  exception 
of  the  calyx,  are  brought  to- 
gether in  Fig.  100,  forming 
that  well  known  flower  the 
White  Lily.  In  this  genus 
the  calyx  is  wanting,  and 
therefore  could  not  be  prop- 
erly represented  as  one  of  its 
parts.  Its  situation  when 
present,  will  be  understood 
by  Fig.  96. 

Of  how  many  parts  does  the  pistil  consist  1     What  part  of  the  siamin 
and  pistila  are  Rsseniial  ]     Explain  the  positions  in  which  the  stamens,  pis 
til,  style,  anthers,  and  stigma  are  situated  with  respect  to  each  other  «- 
the  lily  ?     Point  out  all  the  different  parts  of  the  flower,  as  represented  by 
Fig.  100. 


CALYX. 


55 


Fig.  101. 


We  have  described  and  illustrated  only  the  most  simple 
and  common  kinds  of  corolla  and  calyx.  In  the  different 
genera,  these  parts  are  almost  infinitely  diversified,  and  it 
therefore  becomes  necessary  te  illustrate  these  parts  more 
particularly,  and  also  to  describe  some  parts  belonging  to  the 
flower  and  fruit  which  have  not  yet  been  mentioned. 
CALYX. 

The  Calyx  has  received  different  names,  depending  on  its 
situation  and  form,  namely — 

Periantkium,  or  Perianth.  This  term  is  derived  from  the 
Greek  peri,  about,  and  anthos,  a  flower.  It  is  the  calyx,  or 
flower  cup,  properly  and  commonly  so  called.  It  makes  a 
part  of  the  flower,  being  aiways  contiguous  to  the  petals, 
which  it  surrounds.  The  thin  green  leaves  which  are  rolled 
back  under  the  spreading  petals  of  the  full  blown  Rose,  form 
the  calyx  of  that  flower. 

We  have  stated  that  mis  part  is  called 
monophyllous  when  it  consists  of  only  a 
single  leaf.  The  Pink,  Fig.  101,  is  an 
example  of  a  monophyllous  perianth.  The 
calyx,  a,  forms  only  a  single  piece,  though 
divided  above  into  several  parts.  The 
small  leaves,  b,  which  embrace  the  base 
of  this  calyx,  are  called  scales.  In  the 
Pink,  therefore,  the  calyx  is  a  perianth. 
It  is  also  inferior,  being  placed  below  the 
germen,  or  the  germen  being  included 
within  the  cup. 

Involucre,  Fig.  102,  Imoiucrum. — 
This  calyx  is  remote  from  the  flower, 
which,  therefore,  it  never  embraces, 
or  surrounds  like  the  perianth.  It 
most  commonly  consists  of  a  number 
of  small  leaves  which  surround  the 
stem  of  umbilliferous  plants,  as  Dill, 
Parsnip,  and  Fennel.  The  Involucre 
is  said  to  be  universal  when  it  sur- 
rounds the  stem  of  several  partial  um- 
bels, as  at  a,  and  partial  when  it  surrounds  the  peduncles  of 
the  flowers,  or  florets,  as  at  I  The  involucre  of  compound 
flowers  will  be  described  hereafter. 

When  is  the  calyx  called  a  penanthium  ?  Give  an  example  of  a  me 
nophyllous  perianth.  What  is  meant  by  a  partial,  and  what  by  a  univer 
eal  involucre  1  :i^r> . 


56 


THE    FLOWER. 


Fig.  104. 


Ament,  Fig.  103,  Amentum,  or  Catkin.  Fls- 103- 

This  consists  of  many  chaffy  scales,  at- 
tached to  a  thread,  which  is  the  common 
receptacle,  or  part  which  connects  the 
whole  together.  These  scales  are  the  ca- 
lyxes of  the  small  flowers  or  florets  which 
they  cover  and  protect.  Each  scale,  with 
the  parts  which  it  protects,  may  therefore 
be  considered  as  a  distinct  flower.  In 
some  Catkins  there  are  both  stamens  and 
pistils,  but  more  commonly  the  stamens 
are  in  one  and  the  pistils  in  another.  In  the  Willow,  (Salix,) 
Walnut,  (Juglans,)  and  Chestnut,  (Castanea,)  the  flowers  are 
contained  in  Catkins.  In  most  cases  these  parts  fall  off  soon 
after  the  time  of  flowering,  as  in  the  trees  above  named  ;  but 
in  a  few  instances  they  remain  on  the  tree,  enlarge  arid  pro- 
tect the  seed  as  well  as  the  flowers,  as  in  the  Pine  and  Fir 
tribe. 

Spathe,  Fig.  104,  Sheath.  Some  flowers 
before  their  petals  expand,  are  enclosed  in 
a  covering,  which  bursts  longitudinally  at 
the  time  of  flowering.  The  membrane  so 
enclosing  the  flower,  is  called  a  spathe,  or 
sheath.  The  flower  stalk  continuing  to 
grow,  leaves  this  part  below  it,  forming  the 
kind  of  calyx  shown  in  the  figure.  The 
Daffodil,  Onion,  and  Tiger  flower,  are  ex- 
amples. When  the  part  which  protrudes  from  the  spathe,  is 
an  elongated  receptacle,  it  is  called  a  spadioc,  as  in  the  Calla 
Ethiopica,  and  Indian  turnip,  (Arum.) 

G/wme,Fig.l05,aHusk.  This 
,s  the  calyx  of  the  grains  and 
grasses.  In  some  species  it  is 
composed  of  a  single  piece  only  ; 
in  others  of  two  pieces,  as  here 
represented,  and  in  others  of  four 
pieces.  In  the  language  of  Bot- 
any, these  pieces  are  called 
valves.  Thus  the  glume  of  the 
oat  is  two  valved.  To  the  glume 
is  often  attached  the  beard,  or 

What  is  an  ament  or  catkin  ?  What  flowers  are  contained  in  catkins  ? 
What  are  the  parts  of  plants  meant  by  spathe  and  spadix  ]  What  is  a 
glume  ?  What  are  the  pieces  composing  a  glume  called  ? 


Fig.  105. 


CALYX. 


57 


awn,  a  bristle  shaped  appendage.  This  is  sometimes  spiral 
or  twisted,  and  possesses  the  property  of  a  hygrometer.  This 
is  the  case  with  the  awns  of  the  Wild,  or  Hygrometic  oat, 
(Avena  sterilis,}  which  are  employed  to  construct  an  instru- 
ment designed  to  indicate  the  decrees  of  moisture  and 
dryness. 

For  this  purpose  the  middle  part  of  the  Fi^-  106- 

awn,  Fig.  106,  which  is  twisted  or  formed 
like  a  screw,  is  used,  one  end  being  cement- 
ed to  the  centre  of  a  circular  plate,  which  is 
marked  off  into  degrees  ;  to  the  other  end  is 
attached  a  bristle  as  an  index,  or  hand.  The 
whole  being  covered  with  a  glass,  forms  the 
hygrometer,  or  moisture  measurer.  When 
the  weather  is  damp  or  rainy,  the  awn  un- 
twists and  moves  the  hand  in  one  direction, 
but  as  the  atmosphere  becomes  dry,  it  ceases 
at  first  to  move,  and  then  turns  in  the  con- 
trary direction.  The  moisture  of  the  hand 
will  set  these  awns  in  motion,  making  them  appear  like  living 
animals 

Fig.  107. 

Volva,  Fig.  107,  Wrapper.  This  is  the 
membranous  covering  of  some  of  the  Fungus 
or  Mushroom  tribe,  while  young.  The  mem- 
brane, as  the  vegetable  increases  in  size, 
finally  bursts,  and  afterwards  contracts  and 
dries,  forming  a  kind  of  ring  around  the  stipe, 
or  stem  of  the  Mushroom,  as  represented  in 
the  figure. 


Fig.   108 


Calyptra,  Fig.  1 08,  a  Cap,  or  Hood.  This  kind 
of  calyx  is  found  only  among  the  mosses.  It  is 
the  cap  or  veil  which  covers  the  fructification  of 
many  of  that  tribe.  The  shape  is  conical,  resem- 
bling that  of  an  extinguisher,  or  thimble.  These 
plants  are  very  common  in  the  woods,  and  among 
rocks,  growing  an  inch  or  two  high. 


What  philosophical  instrument  is  made  by  means  of  the  awn  of  the  hy 
grometic  oat  ?  What  part  of  a  mushroom  is  the  volva,  or  wrapper  » 
What  part  of  a  moss  is  the  calyptra,  or  hood  ? 


58  THE    FIOWER. 

1'he  kinds  of  calyx,  which  we  have  described,  aro  the 
most  important  that  botanical  writers  enumerate.  They  are 
seven  in  number,  viz.  Perianth,  Involucre,  Ament,  Spathe, 
Glume,  Volva,  and  Calyptra. 

These  parts,  especially  the  Perianth,  Ament,  and  Spathe, 
are  exceedingly  various  in  their  forms  and  situations,  so  that 
the  pupil  will  often  be  at  a  loss  conceri.ing  them.  In  a  con- 
siderable number  of  plants,  the  perianth  is  deciduous,  by 
which  is  meant  that  it  continues  with  the  flower,  and  drops 
off  along  with  it,  or  when  it  begins  to  wither ;  in  others  it  is 
caducous,  or  falls  off  before  the  flower.  In  the  greater  num- 
ber, however,  it  is  permanent,  that  is,  it  remains  after  the 
flower  has  disappeared,  and  until  the  fruit  is  perfected.  At 
the  base  of  a  pea-pod,  for  instance,  the  perianth  is  as  perfect 
as  it  was  in  the  blossom,  and  in  many  species  it  continues, 
forming  a  kind  of  case,  or  capsule,  protecting  the  seeds,  as  in 
the  Henbane,  (Hyoscyamus.) 

The  brownish  withered  leaves  surrounding  the  cavity  in 
the  base  of  an  apple,  or  pear,  are  the  remains  of  that  variety 
of  calyx  called  the  perianth.  In  the  Peony,  when  in  blossom, 
the  perianth  may  be  observed,  including  not  only  the  stamens 
and  pistils,  but  the  fruit,  or  seed  vessel  also.  In  the  Poppy, 
the  calyx,  which  is  a  perianth,  falls  off  before,  or  soon  after 
the  flower  expands.  Before  flowering,  the  petals  of  this 
plant  are  enclosed  in  its  calyx,  consisting  of  two  large  green 
leaves,  which  are  not  to  be  found  when  the  flower  is  fully 
expanded,  having  dropped  to  the  ground. 

We  have  said  that  in  some  plants  the  calyx  is  entirely 
wanting,  as  in  the  Lily.  In  other  instances  it  forms  the  most 
highly  colored  and  showy  part  of  the  flower,  and  in  others  it 
serves  as  the  seed  vessel,  as  in  the  Catnep  and  Hyssop.  In 
the  Hollyhock,  the  calyx  is  double,  and  in  the  Thorn-apple, 
(Datura,)  this  part  separates  transversely,  the  upper  part  fall- 
ing off,  while  the  lower  remains  attached  to  the  young  fruit. 

COROLLA. 

We  have  already  seen  that  the  corolla  is  the  most  delicate, 
highly  colored,  and  conspicuous  part  of  the  flower.  In  rela- 
tion to  the  calyx,  it  is  the  inner  part,  or  whorl.  When  two 

How  many  kinds  of  calyx  have  been  described  ?  What  is  said  of  the 
proportion  which  exists  between  deciduous  and  permanent  calyxes  1 
What  is  said  of  the  calyx  of  the  poppy  1 


COROLLA. 


59 


Fig.  109. 


or  more  whorls  are  developed,  the  outer  is  called  the  calyx.. 
the  inner  the  corolla. 

The  corolla,  like  the  calyx,  is  exceedingly  various  in  its 
form  and  appearance,  and  therefore  requires  to  be  further  de- 
scribed and  illustrated. 

When  the  corolla  consists  of  only  one  piece,  or  petal,  it  is 
called  monopetalous,  or  one  petaled.  If  it  consists  of  more 
than  one  petal,  it  is  termed  polypetalous,  or  many  petaled.  In 
many  instances  monopetalous  corollas  appear  to  be  polypeta- 
lous, because  their  divisions  reach  nearly  to  the  base,  and 
each  section  stands  .as  a  distinct  petal.  But  however  deeply 
the  corolla  is  divided,  if  the  petals  adhere  to  each  other  at  the 
base,  and  there  form  a  ring,  or  tube,  it  is  monopetalous.  To 
ascertain  this,  it  is  often  necessary  to  dissect  the  flower,  or 
pull  it  to  pieces. 

A  monopetalous  corolla,  Fig.  109,  con- 
sists of  two  parts  ;  the  tube,  b,  or  cylindrical 
part,  which  is  often  enclosed  within  the 
calyx,  as  in  the  Primrose,  and  the  limb,  a, 
which  is  the  spreading  portion  of  the  same 
flower. 

The  following  are  among  the  most  com- 
mon forms  of  this  kind  of  corolla. 


Campanulate,  Fig.  110.  (Bell-shaped,)  hav- 
ing the  shape  of  a  bell,  that  is,  it  swells  sud- 
denly at  the  base,  and  has  no  perceptible  tube 
or  elongation  there.  Ex.  Bell-flower,  (Cam- 
panula.) 

Funnel-shaped,  Fig.  Ill,  (Infundibuliform.) 
It  is  shaped  like  a  funnel,  the  base  being 
small  like  a  tube,  and  gradually  swelling  up- 
wards like  an  inverted  cone.  There  are 
many  different  varieties  of  this  form.  Ex. 
Tobacco,  (Nicotiana,)  Morning  Glory, .  (Ipo- 
mcea,)  Henbane,  (Hyoscyamus.) 


Fig.  111. 


When  two  or  more  whorls  are  developed,  which  is  the  calyx,  and  which 
the  corolla  1  When  is  the  corolla  monopetalous?.  When  is  the  corolla 
said  to  be  polypetalous  ?  What  part  of  the  corolla  is  the  limb,  and  what 
part  is  the  tube  ]  What  is  the  form  of  the  campanuiate  corolla  1  How  is 

funnel-shaped  corolla  formed  1 


60 


THE    FLOWER. 


Wheel-formed,  Fig.  112,  (Rotate,)  having 
the  form  of  a  wheel ;  the  limb  of  the  corolla 
spreading  with  a  very  short,  or  no  percepti- 
ble tube.  The  Fifth  Class  presents  many 
examples  of  this  kind  of  corolla.  Ex.  Bor- 
age, (Borago,)  Red  Pepper,  (Capsicum,) 
Loose-strife,  (Lysimachia.) 


Fig.  112. 


Labiate,  Fig.  113,  or  (Ringent,)  irregu- 
lar, and  gaping  like  the  mouth  of  an  ani- 
mal.    It  consists  of  a  single  petal  divided 
obliquely  into  two  irregular  parts,  called 
the  upper  and  lower  lips,  a,  b.     When 
the  lips  are  widely  separated,  it  is  called 
ringent.     When  the  lips  are  closed  by 
an  appendage  or  kind  of  palate,   it  is  called  a  personate  co- 
rolla, from  persona,  a  mask.      Ex.   Sage,  (Salvia.)  Lavender, 
(Lavendula,)  Catnep,  (Nepeta.) 

It  is  a  circumstance  worthy  of  notice,  that  this  tribe  o( 
plants,  with  few  exceptions,  are  either  tonic,  aromatic,  01 
cordial  in  their  qualities.  Several  of  them,  as  Sage  and  Lav- 
ender, contain  considerable  quantities  of  camphor. 

Fig.  114. 


Salver-shaped,  Fig.  114.  (Hypocrateri- 
forrn.)  Having  the  border  spread  out  hori- 
zontally, and  ending  in  a  tube.  Ex.  Prim- 
rose, (Primula.)  Narrow  leaved  Laurel, 
(Kalmia  angustifolia,)  Lichnidia,  (Phlox.) 

POLYPETALOUS      COROLLAS. 

Any  corolla  composed  of  more  than  one  petal,  is  termed 
polypetalous. 

Fig.  115. 

The  petals  or  polypetalous  corollas,  consist  of  an 
elongated,  or  long  narrow  part,  f,  called  the  claw, 
and  by  which  it  is  attached  to  the  calyx,  and  an 
expanded  and  commonly  more  highly  colored  por- 
tion, a,  called  the  border. 

What  is  the  form  of  a  rotate  corolla  ?  Give  an  example  of  a  labiate 
corolla  ?  How  is  the  salver-shaped  corolla  described  ?  In  the  polypeta- 
lous corolla,  which  is  the  claw,  and  which  the  border  ? 


POLYPETALOUS    COROLLAS. 


61 


Fig.  117 


Pig.  116 

Butterfly-shaped,  Fig.  116.  (Papilio- 
naceous.) This  corolla  consists  of  four 
separate  petals,  each  of  which  has  a  dis- 
tinct name.  The  upper  and  largest,  is 
called  the  banner,  or  standard.  The  two 
side  petals  below,  or  under  this,  are  called 
the  wings,  or  alas,  and  the  lowest,  placed 
between  these,  and  turned  up  like  a  boat, 
is  called  the  keel,  or  carina.  That  part 
called  the  keel,  contains  the  stamens  and 
pistils,  which  it  encloses  and  defends  from  the  weather. 
Ex.  Pea,  Bean,  Sweet  Pea,  (Lathyrus,)  Senna. 

Prof.  Lindley  observes,  that  this  tribe  is  not  only  among  the 
most  extensive  that  are  known,  but  also  one  of  the  most  im 
portant  to  man,  with  reference  to  the  objects  either  of  orna- 
ment, of  utility,  or  of  nutriment. 

Cross-shaped,  Fig.  117.  Cru- 
ciform corolla.  It  consists  of 
four  petals,  the  borders  of  which 
stand  crosswise  with  respect  to 
each  other.  Ex.  Radish,  (Ra- 
phanus,)  Cabbage,  (Brassica.) 

Plants  bearing  this  kind  of  co- 
rolla are  distinguished  by  the 
term  cruciferous,  or  the  cruciform 
tribe.  Many  of  them  possess 
acrid  and  stimulating  qualities,  as 
Mustard,  Horseradish,  and  Cress.  These  plants,  when  de- 
caying, emit  a  peculiar  animal  odor,  which  is  caused  by  the 
azote,  or  nitrogen  they  contain,  and  which  among  plants  is 
an  ingredient  contained  in  no  other  tribe. 

NECTARY.     (Nectarium.) 

This  is  the  organ  in  plants  which  sometimes  secretes  the 
honey,  and  hence  is  more  commonly  known  under  the  name 
of  honey-cup.  It  is  not,  however,  true  that  every  appendage 
known  under  the  name  of  nectary,  secretes  honey,  nor  is  the 

In  the  butter-fly  shaped  corolla,  which  is  the  banner,  which  the  wings, 
and  which  the  keel  ?  What  is  said  of  the  importance  of  the  papilionace- 
ous tribe  of  plants  ?  How  many  petals  has  the  cruciform  corolla,  and 
how  are  they  placed  with  respect  to  each  other  ?  What  does  the  term 
nectary  strictly  signify  ?  Does  every  part  called  nectary,  contain  honev  ? 
6 


THE    FLOWER. 


Fig.  118. 


honey  of  plants  always  lodged  in  a  distinct  organ.  In  many 
flowers,  the  nectary  is  not  an  appendage,  or  distinct  part 
from  the  corolla,  the  honey  being  found  at  the  base  of  the 
petals.  In  other  plants  there  are  projections,  or  appendages 
growing  out.  of  some  part  of  the  corolla,  which  may,  or  may  not 
contain  the  honey.  In  general,  therefore,  every  appendage, 
not  included  in  the  general  description  of  a  plant,  is  called  a 
nectary,  though  often  very  improperly. 
In  the  Larkspur,  (Delphinum,)  and 
the  Violet,  (Viola,)  the  nectary  is 
formed  by  the  prolongation  of  the  co- 
rolla into  a  horn  or  spur.  In  Fig. 
118,  a  represents  this  part  in  the 
Larkspur.  In  the  Nasturtion,  (Tro- 
pceolum,)  the  nectary  is  formed  by  the 
prolongation  of  the  colored  calyx.  In 
the  Ladies'  Slipper,  (Cypripedium,) 
the  nectary  is  the  chief  part  of  the 
flower. 


Fig.   119. 


Fig.  120. 


In  the  grass  of  Parnassus  (Parnassia,) 
Fig.  119,  the  nectaries  consist  of  little 
globular  bodies,  each  attached  to  the  end 
of  a  short  filament,  and  interspersed 
among  the  stamens.  These  are  singular 
appendages,  and  perhaps  have  not  been 
found  to  occur  in  this  form  in  any  other 
species 


In  the  Crowfoot,  (Ranunculus,)  the  nectary  is 
a  small  pit,  or  pore  in  the  claw  of  the  petal, 
shown  at  o,  Fig.  120. 


In  respect  to  the  use  of  the  nectary,  Dr.  Smith  says  "  there 
can  be  no  doubt  that  the  sole  use  of  honey,  with  respect  to 
the  plant,  is  to  tempt  insects,  who  in  procuring  it,  fertilize 
the  flower,  by  disturbing  the  dust  of  the  stamens,  and  even 
carry  that  substance  from  the  barren  to  the  fertile  blossoms." 

Does  honey  exist  in  flowers  without  the  presence  of  the  part  called  the 
nectary  ?  What  is  said  of  the  nectary  in  the  larkspur  ?  What  is  said  of 
the  nectary  in  the  grass  of  parnassus,  and  in  the  crowfoot  ? 


STAMENS    AND    PISTILS.  63 


SITUATION    OF    THE   STAMENS    AND    PISTILS. 

We  have  described  and  illustrated  only  the  most  ordinary 
form  under  which  the  stamens  and  pistils  are  found,  viz., 
those  of  the  Lily.  These  parts  occur  under  a  great  variety 
of  situations  with  respect  to  each  other.  Their  numbers  are 
also  exceedingly  various,  being  with  respect  to  the  stamens, 
from  one  to  a  hundred  or  more,  the  pistils  being  somewhat 
less  numerous.  On  the  number  and  situation  of  these  parts 
depend  the  scientific  arrangement  of  the  whole  Linnaean 
System  of  vegetables. 

We  have  already  seen  that  that  part  of  the  stamen  called 
the  filament,  and  that  part  of  the  pistil  called  the  style,  may 
both  be  wanting.  But  the  anthers,  and  the  stigma,  are  never 
absent,  there  being  no  plant  hitherto  discovered,  except  some 
of  the  Crypto gamia,  that  is  destitute  of  them,  or  of  an  equiv- 
alent part,  either  in  the  same  flower,  or  in  separate  flowers, 
in  the  same  or  in  different  plants. 

In  further  illustrating  this  subject,  we  cannot  do  better  than 
to  extract  from  Dr.  Drummond  his  cuts  and  explanations. 

Fig.  121. 

The  stamen,  Fig.  121,  consists  of  three  parts, 
the  filament,  the  anther,  which  sits  on  its  top,  and 
the  pollen,  or  farina,  a  sort  of  mealy  powder  which 
the  anther  throws  out  when  it  is  ripe  and  bursts. 
Thus  a  represents  the  filament  and  anther,  and  b 
the  pollen  falling  from  the  latter. 

But  not  unfrequently  in  examining 
flowers,  it  will  be  found  that  the  an- 
thers are  sessile,  or  immediately  at- 
tached  to  the  corolla.  This  is  shown 
by  Fig.  122,  which  represents  a  corolla 
laid  open,  the  situation  of  the  anthers 
being  marked  by  the  small  black  dots 
above  the  letter  c. 

What  are  the  uses  of  the  stamens  and  pistils  to  the  botanist  ?  Are  the 
anthers  and  stigmas  ever  wanting  ?  When  the  filaments  are  wanting, 
where  are  the  anthers  situated  ? 


64  THE    FLOWER. 

The  pistillum,  like  the  stamen,  consists  also 
of  three  parts,  the  germen,  style,  and  stigma. 
We  nrjy  compare  it  to  a  pillar,  and  then  the 
first  will  represent  the  pedestal,  the  second  the 
shaft,  and  the  third  the  capital,  as  in  the  pistil 
of  the  Lily,  Fig  123,  where  /shows  the  ger- 
men, e  the  style,  and  d  the  stigma. 

Only  the  first  and  last  of  these,  however,  are 
essential,  for  if  instead  of  a  Lily,  a  Tulip  be  examined,  it  will 
be  found  that  the  stigma  is  placed  immediately  on  the  germen 

Fig.  124. 

A 

In  the  Poppy,  also,  Fig.  124,  the  large  glob- 
ular part  is  the  germen,  on  which  sits  the 
stigma,  g,  scolloped  or  radiated  in  a  beautiful 
manner. 


USE    OF    THE    PISTILS    AND    STAMENS. 


The  Stamens  and  Pistils  are  the  organs  of  re-production 
in  all  vegetables.  Without  the  presence  of  these,  together 
with  the  influence  of  the  pollen  on  the  stigma,  the  seeds  of 
plants  have  not,  in  any  case,  been  found  to  arrive  to  such 
maturity  as  to  vegetate,  or  perpetuate  its  species.  These 
parts  have  with  great  labor  and  research,  been  found  to  exist 
in  all  vegetables,  even  the  most  minute,  except,  perhaps,  in 
some  of  the  cryptogamous  tribes,  as  the  Sea  Weeds  and 
Mosses,  where  they  are  not  obvious. 

The  pollen,  which  to  the  eye  appears  in  the  form  of  yel- 
low dust,  and  is  particularly  abundant  in  the  anthers  of  the 
Lily,  is,  in  reality,  composed  of  little  bags,  containing  a  gel- 
atinous matter.  These  little  bags  are  of  various  forms,  and 
when  examined  by  a  microscope,  some  of  them  present  sur- 
faces nearly  smooth,  and  which  remain  entire  so  long  as  they 
are  kept  dry,  but  when  moistened,  they  burst,  and  throw  out 
their  contents. 

The  stigma,  as  already  explained,  is  connected  with  the 
germen  by  means  of  the  style,  and  is  an  essential  part  of  the 

When  the  style  is  wanting,  where  is  the  stigma  placed  ?  What  we  the 
uses  of  tho  stamens  and  pistils  ? 


USE    OF    THE    PISTILS    AND    STAMENS.  65 

flower.  The  office  which  the  stigma  performs  towards  per- 
fecting the  fruit,  is  to  receive  the  contents  of  the  pollen,  and 
to  transmit  it  to  the  germen,  or  ovarium,  which  contains  tho 
rudiments  or  seeds  of  the  new  plant. 

These  functions  appear  to  be  performed  in  the  following 
manner. 

The  anthers  consist  of  many  minute  cells,  or  compartments, 
formed  by  membranous  partitions.  At  the  proper  season, 
the  anthers  burst  longitudinally,  and  the  little  capsules  or  ves- 
sels above  described,  and  called  the  pollen,  are  discharged  in 
the  form  of  yellow  dust.  A  grain,  or  many  grains,  of  the 
pollen,  falling  on  the  stigma,  there  bursts,  in  consequence  of 
the  moisture  of  dew,  or  rain,  and  discharges  its  fluid  contents. 
This  fluid  is  then  conveyed,  by  means  of  the  absorbent  ves- 
sels, or  channels  of  the  stigma,  and  style,  to  the  germen,  or 
embryo  seed  vessel,  and  thus  in  an  unknown  and  mysterious 
manner,  renders  the  seeds  fertile,  or  prolific.  These  facts 
were  fully  established,  nearly  a  century  ago,  by  the  celebra- 
ted Linnaeus,  and  at  the  present  day  are  not  denied  by  any 
competent  naturalist.  Indeed  the  experiments  that  have  been 
instituted  by  various  authors  on  this  subject,  prove  beyond 
all  controversy,  that  the  seeds  of  plants  are  barren,  and  will 
not  grow  without  the  influence  of  the  pollen,  and  that  in  ev- 
ery instance  where  the  stigma  of  a  flower  has  been  shielded 
or  protected  from  the  pollen,  infertility  in  the  seed  has  been 
the  consequence. 

In  all  instances  the  flower  is  formed  before  the  fruit,  though 
in  a  few  cases  it  has  appeared,  even  to  botanists,  that  the  fruit 
has  been  formed  first,  especially  in  the  Meadow  Saffron, 
(Colchicum,)  and  the  Pine  Apple,  (Bromelia.)  In  the  Meadow 
Saffron,  says  Sir  James  E.  Smith,  the  fruit  and  leaves  are 
perfected  in  the  Spring,  and  the  blossoms  do  not  appear  un- 
til Autumn,  but  a  due  examination  will  readily  ascertain,  that 
the  seed  bud,  or  germen,  which  is  formed  in  the  Autumn,  is 
the  very  same  which  comes  to  maturity  in  ttiQ,  following 
Spring.  A  pine  apple,  adds  the  same  writer,  was  once  very 
unexpectedly  cited  to  me  as  an  instance  of  fruit  being  formed 
before  the  flower,  because  the  green  fruit  in  that  instance,  as 
in  many  others,  is  always  fully  grown  before  the  flowers  ex- 

Under  what  circumstances  do  the  anthers  burst  and  throw  out  the  pol- 
len ?     What  is  said  to  have  been  the  consequence  when  the  stigma  has 
been  shielded  from  the  pollen  ?     Are  there  any  instances  where  the  frui 
has  been  formed  before  the  flower  ? 
6* 


60  THE    FLOWER. 

paii'i.  But  the  seeds  of  this  plant  are  only  in  embryo,  when 
the  fruit  itself  is  nearly  full  grown,  and  if  taken  out  and 
planted,  at  this  time,  they  will  always  prove  unproductive. 

In  those  genera  of  plants  which  bear  their  stamens  on  one 
tree,  and  their  pistils  on  another,  the  same  law  of  nature  has 
been  verified  in  numerous  instances.  The  pollen  of  one  tree 
must  come  into  contact  with  the  stigma  of  the  other,  in  or- 
der that  the  seeds  may  come  to  maturity.  The  most  deci- 
sive proof  of  this  was  established  by  an  experiment  so  long 
ago  as  1749,  made  on  a  Palm  tree  at  Berlin.  The  Date 
Palm,  like  the  Fig,  Willow,  and  Poplar,  has  its  stamens  and 
pistils  on  separate  trees,  and  it  so  happened  that  the  Palm, 
at  Berlin,  was  the  only  tree  of  that  species  in  the  vicinity. 
It  had,  therefore,  never  perfected  any  fruit,  though  every  year 
full  of  flowers  which  contained  the  pistils.  In  the  year 
above  mentioned,  when  the  tree  was  in  full  bloom,  the  branch 
of  a  staminate  tree  was  sent  from  Leipsic,  by  the  Post,  to 
Berlin,  a  distance  of  twenty  German  miles,  and  suspended 
over  the  barren  Palm.  The  consequence  was,  that  the  tree 
produced  an  abundance  of  fruit  that  year,  which  came  to  full 
perfection,  and  many  young  palms  were  raised  from  the 
seed. — Ed.  Ency. 

In  trees  of  this  class,  which  are  called  Di&cious,  the  pol- 
len is  wafted  from  the  stamens  of  one,  to  the  pistils  of  the 
other,  by  the  wind,  or  is  carried  by  insects,  which  fly  from 
one  tree  to  the  other  in  search  of  honey.  As  plants  of  the 
same  species  commonly  grow  in  the  vicinity  of  each  other, 
there  is  no  difficulty  in  conceiving  that  the  prolific  influence 
may  be  transmitted  in  this  manner. 

The  genera  which  bear  their  •  stamens  and  pistils  on  the 
same  plant,  but  in  different  flowers,  are  called  Monoecious.  In 
these  plants  the  pollen  is  also  transmitted  through  the  air,  or 
by  means  of  insects.  Indian  Corn  is  a  plant  of  this  kind, 
the  stamej^ being  situated  in  the  panicle,  or  top,  while  the 
pistils  are  .-enclosed  in  the  husk,  forming  long  filaments  usu- 
ally called  the  silk.  Cucumbers,  Pumpkins,  and  Gourds,  are 
also  Monoecious  plants. 

In  various  instances  we  can  trace  highly  curious  and  in- 
teresting means  employed  by  nature  to  apply  the  pollen  to 

What  was  established  by  the  experiment  made  on  the  Palm  tree  of 
Berlin  ?  How  is  the  pollen  conveyed  from  one  tree  to  another  where  the 
stamens  and  pistils  are  on  different  trees  ?  In  what  common  garden  ve- 
getables are  the  stamens  in  one  flower,  and  the  pistils  in  another  ? 


USB    OF    THE    STAMENS    AND    PISTILS.  67 

the  stigma,  where  the  situation  of  those  parts  is  apparently 
unfavorable  to  this  process.  When  the  stamens  are  shorter 
than  the  pistils,  the  flower  often,  or  perhaps  commonly  droops, 
so  that  when  the  anthers  burst,  the  pollen  will  fall  on  the 
stigma.  And  it  has  been  remarked  as  worthy  of  notice,  that 
in  drooping  flowers,  the  stamens  are  always  shorter  than  the 
pistils,  while  in  erect  ones  the  pistils  are  always  the  shortest 
This  provision  is  evidently  designed  to  favor  the  contact  ol 
the  pollen.  In  the  Parnassia,  the  stamens  which  are  longer 
than  the  pistils,  lean  over  the  stigma  in  succession,  and  shed 
their  pollen.  In  the  common  Laurel,  (Kalmia  latifolia,}  we 
have  often  observed  with  admiration,  the  means  employed  to 
accomplish  the  same  end.  The  ten  anthers  of  this  species 
are  confined  in  as  many  pits  in  its  wheel-form  corolla,  until 
the  proper  time  for  the  influence  of  the  pollen,  when  by  the 
shrinking  of  the  flower  they  are  liberated  from  their  confine- 
ment, and  instantly  spring  with  such  force  as  to  throw  the 
pollen,  in  a  little  stream  of  dust,  far  above  the  stigma.  The 
slightest  touch  with  the  point  of  a  needle,  or  even  the  feet  ot 
insects,  crawling  over  these  parts,  will  produce  the  same  ef- 
fect, at  the  proper  season. 

INFLORESCENCE. 

Inflorescence  signifies  the  manner  or  mode  of  flowering, 
or  as  Prof.  Lindley  has  it,  "  the  ramification  of  that  part  ot 
the  plant  intended  for  re-production." 

The  modes  of  flowering  are  various,  and  are  distinguished 
by  different  names,  which  have  been  derived  from  something 
relative  to  the  appearance,  situation,  or  number  of  the  flow- 
ers. 

The  kinds  which  botanists  more  particularly  distinguish, 
are  as  follow  :  Fig  125 

1.  Umbel,  Fig.  125,  (umbella.) 
This  is  that  kind  of  inflorescence 
which  is  produced  when  several 
peduncles,  or  flower  stems,  proceed 
from  a  common  centre,  in  a  whorl, 
like  the  braces  of  an  umbrella  in- 
verted, and  reaching  the  same 
height,  form  nearly  a  level  head  of  flowers.  Ex.  Carrot, 
Dill,  Fennel.  These  plants  are  called  Umbelliferous,  and 
form  one  of  the  best  characterized  among  the  natural  orders 

What  is  meant  by  inflorescence  1  What  is  the  form  of  an  umbel ! 
What  are  examples  of  this  kind  of  inflorescence1? 


68 


THE    FLOWER. 


Fig.  120. 


of  plants.  Most  umbels  are  formed  by  compound  plants, 
each  stem  or  ray,  bearing  itself  a  partial,  or  little  umbel,  as 
represented  in  the  figure. 

•2.  Verticillate,  Fig.  126,  (whorled.) 
When  the  flowers  on  very  short  peti- 
oles, or  sessile,  form  a  ring  at  intervals 
around  the  stem.  In  some  species, 
however,  the  flowers  are  not  continued 
all  round  the  stem,  but  only  on  oppo- 
site sides,  as  in  the  Dead  Nettle,  (La- 
mium.)  Many  of  the  labiate  flowers 
are  whorled,  as  Mint,  Motherwort,  and 
Hyssop. 


3.  Racemus,  Fig.  127,  (a  duster,)  or  Ra- 
ceme. This  consists  of  numerous  scattered 
flowers,  each  on  its  own  proper  stem,  the 
whole  proceeding  from  a  common  stalk.  It  is 
generally  pendalous.  Ex.  Grape,  Currant, 
Pokeweed,  (Phytolacca.)  A  cluster  is  some- 
times compound,  that  is,  consisting  of  several 
smaller  clusters,  each  having  its  own  proper 
stem,  all  of  which  proceed  from  a  common 
stalk.  The  Raceme  often  runs  into  the  Spike 
at  the  top ;  as  does  the  panicle  into  the  Ra- 
ceme. 


4.  Spike,  Fig.  128,  (spica.)  This  is  com- 
posed of  many  sessile  flowers,  arranged  on  a 
common  peduncle.  It  generally  grows  erect, 
with  crowded  flowers.  In  some  spikes,  how- 
ever, the -flowers  form  separate  groups,  leav- 
ing intervals  of  the  stalk  naked,  as  in  some  of 
the  Mint  tribe.  Ex.  Wheat,  Barley,  Virgin- 
ian Speedwell,  (Veronica  Virginica.) 


What  is  the  form  of  that  kind  of  inflorescence  called  a  whorl  ?  Whai 
is  the  form  of  a  raceme  1  What  are  examples?  What  is  the-  form  of  a 
spike,  and  what  are  examples  ? 


123 


INFLORESENCE. 


69 


130 


Fig.  129 

5.  Panicle,  Fig.  129.  A  panicle 
bears  its  flowers  in  a  loose,  irregularly  di- 
vided raceme,  or  cluster,  but  differs  from 
it  in  the  sub-divisions  of  its  foot-stalks. 
It  sometimes  consists  of  several  small 
spikes,  fixed  by  separate  peduncles  to  a 
common  stem.  When  the  stalks  are 
distant,  it  is  called  a  diffuse  or  lax  pani- 
cle, as  in  London  Pride  (Saxifraga  um- 
broscf.)  The  Oat,  and  many  grasses  are 
examples  of  the  panicle. 

'Thyrsus.  A  Panicle,  the  middle  branches  of  which  are 
longer  than  those  of  the  base  or  apex,  in  consequence  of  which 
it  assumes  an  ovate  form,  is  called  a  thyrsus.  The  flower  01 
the  Lilac,  (Syringa  vulgaris,}  is  a  good  example. 

Spadix,  Fig.  130.  A  spadix  differs  from  a  spike  ; 
the  flowers  of  the  former  being  crowded  or  packed 
close  together  on  a  succulent  stem,  or  elongated  re- 
ceptacle, which  stem  is  partly  enveloped  in  a  spathe 
or  sheath.  The  dark  colored,  club-shaped  part  of 
the  figure,  marked  «,  is  the  spadix  of  the  Indian 
Turnip,  (arum  triphyllum,)  partly  enclosed  in  its 
spathe,  or  sheath.  In  a  few  instances,  as  in  the 
Golden  Club,  (Orontium,)  the  spadix  is  naked,  or 
without  a  spathe.  Dr.  Drummond,  from  whom  this 
cut  is  taken,  remarks,  that  this  plant  has  a 
blance  to  an  image  standing  in  a  case,  and 
has  received  the  ridiculous  name  of  "  Jack  in  a  box,"  and 
"  Jack  in  a  pulpit."  The  Skunk  Cabbage,  (Pothos  fatida,)  and 
the  Indian  turnip,  (arum,)  are  also  good  examples  of  the  spathe 

Corymbus,  Fig.  131,  (a  corymb.)     This 
is  a  raceme,  in  which  the  lower  flower 
stalks  are  long,  and  the  upper  ones  short, 
so  that  the  flowers  are  nearly  on  a  level. 
In   general  appearance  it  resembles  the 
umbel,  but  in  the  latter  the  foot  stalks  sur-  . 
round  the  stem  at  the  same  height,  and  are 
all  nearly  of  the  same  length.     Yarrow, 
(Achittea,)  and  Spear-leaved  Golden  Rod, 
(Solidago  lanceolata,)  are  common  exam- 
ples. 

What  is  the  shape  of  a  panicle,  and  what  are  examples  1  What  is  tho 
form  of  a  thyrsus  ?  What  common  flower  is  an  example  of  the  thyrsus  ? 
How  does  a  spadix  differ  from  a  spike  1  Which  is  the  spathe  and  which 
tire  spadix.  as  shown  by  the  figure  ?  What  is  the  form  of  a  corymb  ? 


Ireland 


70  FRUIT    OR    SEED. 

Pi?.  132. 


Capitum,  Fig.  132,  (a  head.}  This 
consists  of  sessile  flowers,  crowded 
together  into  a  globular  form.  Ex. 
Teasel,  (Dipsacus,)  Clover,  (TrifoUum,) 
Saffron,  (Crocus.) 


Fasciculus,  (a  tuft,)  or  bundle.  When  the  peduncles  of  the 
corymb  are  placed  so  near  each  other,  that  the  flowers 
form  a  dense  mass,  as  in  the  Sweet  William,  (Dianthus,)  the 
inflorescence  is  called  a  fascicle,  or  bundle. 

Terminal.  When  the  stems  or  branches  are  not  elongated 
beyond  their  flower,  or,  in  other  words,  when  the  flower  ter- 
minates the  ends  of  the  branches,  the  flower  is  said  to  be 
terminal.  Ex.  Peony,  Pink. 

In  consequence  of  the  different  modes  of  infloresence 
running  into  each  other,  it  is  often  necessary  to  employ  the 
terms  by  which  each  is  known  in  a  compound  sense.  Thus 
some  Spikes  so  resemble  the  panicle  as  to  become  panicled 
spikes,  and  the  umbel  and  corymb,  run  into  each  other,  form- 
ing corymbed  umbels. 


FRUIT,  OR  SEED. 

The  fruit  or  seed,  is  the  most  important  part  of  vegetables, 
not  only  because  it  affords  sustenance  to  man,  but  because 
by  this  part  the  species  are  perpetuated,  or  renewed  without 
limits.  "  The  fructification,"  says  Linnaeus,  "  is  a  temporary 
part  of  vegetables,  destined  for  the  re-production  of  the 
species,  terminating  in  the  old  individual,  and  beginning  in 
the  new." 

In  ordinary  language  we  make  a  difference  between  the 
fruit  and  s<>od.  In  the  language  of  Botany,  this  difference 
also  occurs,  but  in  a  more  restricted  sense.  When  the  seed 
is  inclosed,  the  envelope  and  seed  together,  are  called  the 
fruit,  as  in  the  Apple,  Pea,  and  Walnut.  When  the  seed  is 

What  is  the  difference  between  the  corymb  and  the  umbel  ?  What  is  the 
form  of  a  capitum,  or  head  ?  When  is  the  infloresence  called  a  fascicle  or 
bundle  ?  When  is  the  flower  said  to  be  terminal  ?  What  are  the  differ- 
ent kinds  of  infloresence  described  ?  What  is  said  of  the  importance  of 
the  seed  or  fruit  ?  Ja  the  language  of  Botany,  what  part  is  called  the 
fruit  t 


FRUIT.       PERICARP.  71 

naked  then  this  alone  is  called  the  fruit,  as  in  the  Hazelnut, 
(CorylaS))  and  Sage,  (Salvia.)  Strictly  speaking,  however, 
no  seed  ever  does  occur  naked,  since  each  one,  though  in- 
closed in  a  shell,  husk,  or  pod,  has  its  own  membrane,  or 
integument,  which  surrounds  the  proper  seed.  Thus  when  a 
Pea,  or  Bean,  is  planted,  arid  the  two  halves  called  cotyledons, 
swell,  this  membrane,  or  sack,  bursts,  and  is  cast  off.  When 
therefore  a  seed  is  said  to  be  naked,  it  is  only  understood  that 
it  is  not  inclosed  in  any  covering  except  its  own  proper  mem- 
brane. 

FRUIT. 

The  fruit,  in  the  proper  sense  of  the  word,  is  the  pistillum 
arrived  at  maturity.  But  this  term  is  also  applied  to  the  pis- 
tillum, and  floral  envelopes  taken  together,  when  they  are  all 
united  in  one  uniform  mass.  We  shall  consider  the  fruit  as 
consisting  of  the  matured  germen,  including  the  coverings, 
or  envelopes  of  the  seed,  called  the  pericarp,  and  shall  at 
present,  omit  the  terms  employed  by  Prof.  Lindley,  Mirbel, 
and  other  scientific  writers,  in  explaining  the  more  physiolo- 
gical parts  of  this  subject. 

PERICARP. 

This  term  is  derived  from  the  Greek,  peri,  about,  or  around, 
and  karpos,  the  seed,  or  fruit.  It  therefore  is  a  general  term, 
including  any  seed  vessel,  or  substance  enclosing  the  seed, 
whether  it  be  in  the  form  of  pod,  bag,  shell,  pulp,  or  berry. 

The  most  obvious  use  of  the  pericarp  is  to  protect  the  seeds 
until  they  are  ripe.  It  may  be  observed  also,  that  many  seed 
vessels  promote  the  dispersion  of  their  seeds,  thus  performing 
one  of  the  great  designs  of  nature,  that  of  spreading  her  pro- 
ductions. The  common  garden  flower,  Touch-me-not,  (Im- 
patiens,)  is  a  familiar  example  of  such  a  provision.  The 
pericarp,  which  is  composed  of  several  valves,  as  it  grows 
dry,  acts  as  an  elastic  spring,  and  throws  the  seeds  to  a  con 
siderable  distance  in  all  directions.  The  pericarps,  according 
to  the  Linnaean  division,  are  of  the  following  kinds,  viz. 

Are  the  seeds  of  any  plants  found  naked,  strictly  speaking  ?  When  are 
seeds  said  to  be  naked  ?  What  is  the  pericarp  ?  What  is  the  most 
obvious  use  of  the  pericarp  ?  How  do  some  pericarps  promote  the  dis- 
persion of  their  seeds  ? 


72  FRUIT    OR    SEED. 

Capsule,  Fig.  133.  This 
term  signifies  a  little  chest, 
or  casket,  and  in  Botany,  is 
applied  to  that  kind  of  seed 
vessel  which  is  of  a  woody 
texture,  and  which,  as  it 
grows  dry,  discharges  its  seeds  spontaneously,  by  dividing 
into  several  parts  called  valves.  In  some  plants  the  capsule 
discharges  its  seeds  by  pores,  or  small  orifices,  the  valves  re- 
maining closed,  as  in  the  Poppy,  (Papaver.) 

The  capsule  consists  of  one  cell  or  of  many.  The  above 
figure,  (from  Drummond,)  represents  capsules  of  one,  two, 
three,  and  four  cells.  The  first  is  called  a  one  celled,  the 
second  a  two  celled  capsule,  and  so  on,  according  to  the 
number  of  divisions,  or  compartments  it  contains.  The  mem- 
brane, or  other  substance  which  forms  these  divisions,  ia 
called  the  dissepiment,  or  partition,  and  the  central  part  where 
these  partitions  meet  each  other,  and  to  which  the  seeds  are 
usually  attached,  is  called  the  columella,  or  pillar  of  the 
capsule.  Sometimes  this  is  merely  a  thread.  The  peri- 
carps of  Flax,  (Linum,)  of  Mullein,  (Verbascum,)  and  Thorn- 
apple,  (Datura,)  are  capsules. 

Siliqua,  a  Pod,  Fig.  134.  This  is  a  pericarp 
of  two  valves,  or  in  the  language  of  Botany,  a 
bivalved  pericarp.  The  seam  formed  by  the 
joining  of  the  two  valves  of  any  pod,  is  called 
the  suture.  In  some  pods  the  seeds  are  all  af- 
fixed to  one  suture,  generally  the  upper  one, 
and  in  others  they  are  arranged  alternately 
along  the  edges  of  a  membrane  or  partition, 
which  separates  the  pod  into  two  portions,  in 
the  line  of  the  sutures.  The  siliqua,  properly  so  called,  is 
of  the  latter  description,  as  represented  by  the  figure,  where 
by  a  separation  of  the  valves,  this  partition  is  seen,  with  the 
seeds  attached.  The  pericarps  of  Cabbage,  Turnip,  and 
Wall-Flower,  are  of  this  kind. 

What  kind  of  a  pericarp  is  the  capsule  1  What  examples  are  givsn 
where  the  seeds  are  discharged  by  orifices  1  When  is  a  seed  vessel  call  3d 
a  one  or  two  celled  capsule  1  What  is  the  dissepiment,  and  what  the 
columella  1  What  is  the  suture  of  a  pod  ?  What  pericarps  are  commor 
examples  of  the  siliqua  ? 


73 


Fig.  135. 


Fig.  137. 


PERICARP. 

Silicle,  Fig.  135,  or  Silicula,  a  little  pod. 
This  differs  from  the  proper  Siliqua,  only  in 
being  shorter,  and  of  a  rotund  or  oval  shape, 
as  in  Satin  Flower,  (Lunaria.)  Shepherd's 
Purse,  (Thlapsi,)  is  also  a  good  example  of 
the  Silicle. 

Legume,  Fig.  136,  Legumen.     This  is  a  spe- 
cies of  pericarp,  consisting  of  two  valves,  united 
by  sutures,  without  a    dissepiment  or  partition, 
and  bearing  the  seeds  along  only  one  of  its  su- 
tures, or  margins.     This    is  also  called    a  pod, 
and    is   well   known    as  the  seed  vessel  of  the 
Pea  and  Bean.     Peas  and  Beans,  with  their  af- 
finities, or  plants  of  similar  habits,  are  called  le- 
guminous plants.   They.compose  one  of  the  most 
extensive    tribes,    or    natural    orders  known  to 
Botanists,  and  one  of  the  most  useful  known  to 
man.     The  17th  class,  (Diadelphia,)  of  the  Lin- 
naean  system  is  composed  chiefly  of  leguminous 
plants. 

Bag,  Fig.  137,  Follicle.  This  is  a  seed 
vessel  consisting  of  only  one  piece  or  valve, 
and  is  therefore  a  univalve  pericarp.  It  is  not 
divided  into  cells  internally,  but  bears  its 
seeds,  either  on  a  receptacle  which  is  placed 
parallel  with  the  suture,  or  the  seeds  are  affixed 
to  the  margin  of  the  suture  itself.  This  peri- 
carp bursts  longitudinally  on  one  side,  and 
emits  its  seeds  in  the  manner  shown  in  the 
figure.  Ex.  Milkweed,  (Asclepias,)  Peri- 
winkle, ( Vinca.) 

Drupe,  or  Drupa,  Fig.  138,  Stone  Fruit.  It 
has  a  fleshy,  or  pulpy  pericarp,  without  valves, 
and  which  encloses  a  nut  or  stone,  commonly  of 
an  oblong  or  oval  shape,  and  bony  consistence. 
This  stone  contains  a  kernel,  which  is  the 
proper  seed.  Ex.  Cherry,  Plum,  Peach.  The 
cocoanut  is  a  drupe,  though  its  coat  is  less  juicy 
than  in  most  other  examples. 


What  is  a  silicic  ?  How  does  the  silicic  differ  from  the  siliqua  ?  How 
does  the  legume  differ  from  the  siliqua  and  silicic  ?  What  are  corrrnon 
examples  of  the  legume  ?  What  arc  examples  of  leguminous  plants  ? 
What  is  a  follicle  or  bag  ?  What  are  examples  of  the  follicle  ?  What 
are  examples  of  the  drupe  ? 


74 


FRUIT    OR    SEED. 


Fip.  139. 


The  Nut  is  a  dry  bony  fruit,  commonly  with  only  one  cell, 
but  sometimes  with  more.  It  differs  from  the  drupe,  in  want- 
ing the  fleshy  pericarp.  Its  external  envelope  is  sometimes 
hard  and  valvular,  as  in  the  Walnut,  and  sometimes  membra- 
nous as  in  the  Hazelnut,  (Corylus.)  In  others  the  covering 
is  only  partial,  as  in  the  Acorn. 

Bacca,  Fig.  139,  a  Berry.  The  berry  is  a 
ucculent  fruit,  in  which  the  seeds  lose  their 
adhesion,  when  ripe,  and  lie  loose  in  the  pulp. 
The  Berry  becomes  more  juicy  internally,  as  it 
advances  to  maturity,  quite  contrary  to  the 
nature  of  the  capsule,  though  the  difference 
between  these  two  unripe  fruits  may  not  be 
discernible,  and  though  some  true  Berries, 
when  fully  ripe,  finally  become  of  a  dry  and 
spongy  texture,  but  they  (the  Berry)  never 
open  by  valves,  or  any  regular  orifice,  like  the 
capsule.  Ex.  Currant,  Gooseberry. 

Cut  an  Orange,  or  Lemon,  in  two,  and  you  will  find  it* 
seeds,  neither  in  a  stone,  like  the  Cherry,  nor  in  a  capsule,  a* 
in  the  Apple,  but  lying  naked  in  the  pulp.  The  Orange  ana 
Lemon,  therefore,  are  berries. 

The  Strawberry,  Fig.  140,  is  not  a  berry,  but 
a  soft,  red,  pulpy  receptacle,  which  bears  the 
seeds  on  its  outside,  which  appear  like  small 
yellowish  dots. 


Fig.  140. 


seed. 

142. 


Compound  Berry,  Fig.  141.  This  consists  of 
many  small  berries,  each  containing  a  seed,  united 
into  one  mass.  The  Blackberry,  and  Raspberry, 
are  common  examples  of  the  compound  berry. 
Each  protuberance,  or  individual  part,  is  denomi- 
nated an  acinus,  or  grain  ;  and  contains  within  it.  a  single 

Apple,  Fig.  142,  Pome,  orPomum.  This  is 
a  fleshy  pericarp  without  valves,  arid  therefore 
in  this  respect  resembles  the  berry  or  drupe. 
But  it  differs  from  both  these,  in  containing  a 
capsule  which  encloses  the  seeds.  The  Apple, 
Quince,  and  Pear,  are  common  examples.  The 
number  of  seeds  contained  in  pericarps  of  this 


How  does  the  nut  differ  from  the  drupe  ?  What  is  the  definition  of  a 
bacca,  or  berry  ?  What  are  common  examples  of  a  berry  ?  What  is  the 
strawberry  in  the  language  of  Botany  ?  What  is  a  compound  berry  ? 
"What  are  examples  of  the  compound  berry  ?  How  doe's  the  ap'pls  or 
i?  •  from  the  berry,  and  drupe  ? 


SEED.  75 

kind,  as  well  as  the  shape,  size,  and  quality  of  the  fruit,  are 
exceedingly  various.  Some  berries  so  nearly  resemble  the 
apple  kind,  that  it  is  difficult  to  draw  the  line  of  distinction 
between  them. 

Strobulus,  Fig.  143,  a  Cone.  The  cone  may 
be  considered  an  indurated,  or  hardened  amen- 
tum, which  being  persistent,  finally  becomes  the 
capsule,  or  seed  vessel,  as  in  the  Pine,  Cypress, 
and  Fir.  The  seeds  of  these  tribes,  after  being 
perfected,  are  closely  sheltered  by  the  scales 
which  lie  over  each  other,  like  the  shingles  of  a 
house.  In  the  catkins  of  the  Birch  and  Alder,  there  is  a 
kind  of  capsule,  in  addition  to  that  contained  in  the  cones  of 
the  Pine,  and  in  the  Willow  and  Poplar  there  is  a  bivalve 
capsule,  suspended  by  a  stem,  quite  distinct  from  the  scales. 


SEED. 

The  seed  consists  of  integuments,  (coverings,)  albumen,  and 
embryo,  and  is  the  result  of  the  reciprocal  action  of  the  sta- 
mina and  pistils. 

The  Integuments,  are  the  coverings  immediately  external 
to  the  embryo,  or  germen,  being  that  part  of  the  seed  which 
contains  the  rudiments  of  the  future  plant.  When  a  Bean 
or  Pea  is  exposed  to  heat  and  moisture,  or  when  it  is  planted 
in  the  ground,  the  embryo  swells,  and  the  integuments  burst. 
In  these  seeds  it  is  called  the  skin ;  in  Indian  Corn  it  is 
called  the  hull.  This  appears  like  a  continuous,  or  single 
substance,  but  it  really  consists  of  three  parts,  or  layers,  into 
which  it  may  be  divided,  by  careful  treatment.  In  some 
seeds,  the  outer  integument  is  covered  with  down  or  hair. 

The  Albumen,  or  white,  is  the  farinaceous,  fleshy,  or  horny 
substance,  which  composes  the  chief  bulk  of  some  seeds,  as 
Wheat,  Corn,  and  the  Grasses.  This  substance  furnishes 
wholesome  nourishment,  even  when  other  parts  of  the  plant 
are  poisonous.  It  is  destined  to  nourish  the  young  plant 
when  it  first  begins  to  spring  from  the  parent  seed,  and  be- 
fore it  sends  its  roots  into  the  earth,  and  therefore  does  not 
rise  out  of  the  ground.  Care  must  be  taken  not  to  confound 

Wbjkl  is  the  str^bulus  or  cone  ?  How  are  the  seeds  protected  in  the 
cone  ?  What  are  the  parts  belonging  to  the  seed  ?  What  are  the  integ- 
uments of  the  seed  1  Is  the  skin  of  a  bean  composed  of  one,  or  several 
r  %te 1  What  is  ^rie  albumen  of  the  seed  ? 


76  SEED. 

the  white,  fleshy  part  of  leguminous  seeds,  as  Beans,  with 
tlir  albumen  of  the  grains,  and  grasses,  as  these  parts  which 
are  called  cotyledons,  generally  rise  out  of  the  ground,  and 
sometimes  become  the  first  leaves  of  the  new  plant.  It  is 
probable,  however,  that  these  seeds  contain  a  portion  of  al- 
bumen ;  but  this  substance  abounds  chiefly  in  plants  having 
but  one  cotyledon.  In  some  seeds  the  albumen  is  said  to  be 
entirely  wanting,  as  in  those  of  the  Gourd,  Cucumber,  and 
Turnip. 

Fig.  144. 

The  Embryo,  Fig.  144.  The  embryo, 
strictly  speaking,  consists  of  the  cotyle- 
dons, the  radicle,  and  the  plumula,  though 
it  is  often  defined  to  include  only  the  two 
last  named  parts.  The  number  of  cotyle- 
dons in  most  seeds,  is  two,  but  in  the  grasses,  and  grains, 
there  is  only  one,  and  in  a  few  seeds,  as  those  of  the  Pine, 
there  are  many.  In  the  Garden  Bean,  which  is  usually  cho- 
sen as  an  illustration  of  these  parts,  the  two  cotyledons  are 
well  known  under  the  name  of  the  seed-lobes,  being  the 
two  halves  of  the  seed  which  rise  above  the  ground,  and  are 
converted  into  the  two  seed  leaves  of  the  young  plant.  The 
above  figure  is  intended  to  represent  these  parts,  separated 
by  the  act  of  vegetation,  or  by  the  swelling  of  the  radicle 
and  plumula. 

The  plumula  and  radicle  are  the  rudiments  of  the  future  plant. 
The  radicle  e  is  the  descending  part,  and  ultimately  forms 
the  root.  The  plumula  a  is  the  ascending  part  of  the  plant, 
and  is  finally  developed  into  the  stem,  on  which  the  leaves 
and  fruit  are  formed. 

The  plumula  and  radicle  are  the  most  essential  parts  of 
all  seeds,  and  to  the  perfection  of  these  parts  all  the  others 
are  subservient.  If,  when  the  seed  is  perfected,  and  fully 
ripe,  these  parts  are  in  any  way  injured,  the  design  of  nature 
in  forming  the  seed,  and  protecting  it  with  so  much  care,  is 
entirely  frustrated,  since  it  will  not  produce  the  future  plant. 

Plants  having  but  one  cotyledon,  are  called  monocotyle- 
donous,  as  the  grains  and  grasses.  Those  having  two  coty- 
ledons, are  called  dicotyledonous,  as  the  Bean  and  Pea. 

In  what  plants  docs  the  albumen  chiefly  abound  1  In  what  seeds  is  the 
albumen  said  to  be  entirely  wanting?  What  are  the  parts  of  the  embryo  ! 
What  is  the  number  of  cotyledons  in  most  seeds  1  In  what  plants  do  they 
differ  from  this  number?  What  part  of  a  bean  are  the  cotyledons? 
What  part  of  the  young  plant  is  the  radicle  1  What  part  of  the  young 
plant  is  the  piutnuia  ? 


SEED. 


77 


Fig.  145. 


Hilum,  the  scar.  This  is  that  part  which  is  commonly 
termed  the  eye  of  the  seed,  and  indicates  the  place  of  union 
between  it  and  the  seed  vessel,  or  pericarp.  Through  this 
connection,  it  is,  that  the  seed  receives  its  nourishment  du- 
ring its  growth.  When  the  seed  is  ripe,  this  organ  of  com- 
munication becomes  dry,  and  separates  from  the  parent  plant 
without  injury.  When  the  seed  is  planted,  it  is  supposed 
to  imbibe  moisture  from  the  earth  through  the  pores  of  the 
hilum,  arid  on  this  circumstance  its  germination,  or  growth, 
seems  to  depend. 

Pappus,  Fig.  145,  egret  or  seed  down.  Pappus 
in  Latin,  signifies  grandfather,  or  old  man,  the 
term  being  originally  applied  to  the  seed  down  of 
the  Thistle,  on  account  of  its  resemblance  to  the 
grey  hairs  of  old  age. 

The  pappus  is  commonly  found  attached  to 
such  seeds  as  want  the  pericarp,  as  in  the  com- 
pound flowers.  The  thistle,  Dandelion,  and  Colt's  "Foot, 
(Tussilago,)  are  examples.  It  is  either  sessile,  that  is,  placed 
immediately  on  the  seed,  or  furnished  with  a  stipe,  by  which 
it  is  elevated  above  the  seed. 

The  above  figure  represents  the  pappus  of  the  Dandelion, 
with  its  stipe  ;  c,  the  down ;  a,  the  stipe,  and  b,  the  seed. 

Fig.  146. 

The  Sessile  pappus,  Fig.  146,  consists  of  the 
down  and  seed  only,  the  stipe  being  wanting. — 
Of  this,  the  Thistle,  (Carduus,)  is  an  example. 


Plumose  seed  down,  Fig.  147.  The  appendage 
to  the  seed  is  so  called,  when  the  filaments,  or 
downy  threads,  being  of  considerable  length,  rise 
directly  from  the  seed,  and  are  furnished  with 
softer  filaments  on  each  side,  like  a  feather. 
Sometimes  this  plumose  appendage  is  formed  by 
the  elongation  of  the  style  of  the  plant,  as  in  the 
Virgin's  Bower,  (Clematis.)  When  it  is  thus 
formed  it  is  called  cauda,  a  tail. 


Fig.  147. 


What  is  the  hilum,  or  scar  ?     What  is  the  pappus  ?      To  what  tribes  oi 
plants  is  the  pappus  peculiar  ?     What  is  the  form  of  the  plumose  seed 
down  ?     WThat  is  the  ala,  or  wing  of  a  seed  ? 
7* 


78  BUDS. 

Ala,  a  wing.     This  is  a  dilated  and  membranous  append 
age,  with  which  some  seeds  are  furnished,  and  which  is  un- 
doubtedly, designed  to  waft  them  through  the  air.     Capsules 
are  sometimes  furnished  with  similar  appendages,  as  in  the 
maple,  (Acer,)  and  Ash;  (Fraxinus.) 


BUDS. 

Buds,  or  Gems,  are  of  three  kinds,  leaf  buds,  and  flowei 
buds,  and  those  enclosing  both. 

The  leaf  buds  consist  of  rudimentary  leaves  in  the  room 
of  scales  surrounding  a  vital,  or  living  point,  which  is  capa- 
ble of  elongation  upwards,  and  of  forming  the  stem  by  the 
growth  of  the  plant. 

The  flower  buds  consist  of  scales,  surrounding  a  point, 
containing  the  rudiments  of  the  flower,  or  the  reproductive 
organs  of  the  plant. 

The  buds  of  trees  are  not  formed  in  the  spring,  or  just 
before  they  are  developed  into  leaves  and  flowers,  but  in  the 
summer,  or  autumn.  Buds  are  destined  to  preserve  the  rudi- 
ments they  contain,  from  the  wet  and  cold  of  winter. 

That  the  use  of  buds  in  the  economy  of  vegetation  is  for 
the  protection  of  the  vital  portion  of  the  plant,  is  clearly  pro- 
ved by  the  fact  that  there  is  no  bud  scales  in  hot  climates,  or 
in  hot  houses,  where  the  temperature  of  summer  is  constantly 
maintained.  This  circumstance  is  as  wonderful  as  it  is  cu- 
rious and  interesting  to  the  naturalist,  since  it  shows  that 
plants  are  endowed  with  a  sort  of  conservative  power,  by 
which  new  parts  are  produced  as  they  are  wanted.  In  hot 
climates,  bud  scales  are  not  wanted,  the  rudiments  of  the 
flower,  requiring  no  protection,  and  the  same  is  the  case  with 
summer,  or  annual  plants  growing  in  our  climate.  In  both 
instances  the  outer  coverings,  or  winter  cases,  are  entirely 
wanting.  Whereas  in  all  instances  in  which  the  embryo  re- 
quires protection  from  the  frost  of  winter,  cases  or  scales  are 
furnished  accordingly.  In  Siberia,  it  is  said,  there  are  few 
if  any  plants  without  buds. 

Buds  have  various  forms,  but  are  most  commonly  oval  or 

What  are  the  two  kinds  of  buds?  What  do  the  leaf  buds  consist  of? 
What  do  the  flower  buds  consist  of?  What  is  the  use  of  buds  ?  How  is 
it  proved  that  buds  are  produced  for  the  protection  of  the  embryo  branch 
and  flower  ?  What  is  said  with  respect  to  the  buds  of  Siberian  plants  ? 
What  are  the  forms  of  buds  ? 


BUDS 


79 


roundish,  often  having  a  sharp  point  as  in  the  Apple,  Peach, 
and  Pear.  Sometimes  the  bud  is  shaped  like  a  cone,  or  is 
even  extended  to  the  form  of  a  stilette,  as  in  the  Beech. 

In  the  central  part  is  the  embryo,  whether  of  the  leaf  or 
flower-bud. 

With  respect  to  the  arrangement,  or  manner  in  which  the 
leaves  are  folded  within  their  buds,  there  is  a  curious  and  in- 
explicable difference  in  different  plants,  or  groups  of  plants. 
Some  are  doubled,  others  are  rolled,  while  others  are  plaited, 
&c.  The  following  figures  from  Mr.  Rennie's  pretty  little 
book,  called  the  "  Alphabet  of  Botany,"  will  show  how  the 
leaves  are  folded  in  their  buds. 

Fig.  148. 

Doubled,  a,  as  in  the  Oak,  and  Rose.  ii  a 

Doubled  and  embracing  each  other,  b,  Valerian  f]  , 

and  Teasel.  * 


Doubled  in  a  compound  manner,  c,  as  in  Carrot 
add  Mimosa. 


Rolled  inwards,  d,  as  in  the  Grasses. 


Tiled,  e,  as  in  the  Lilac  and  Privet. 


Reclining,/,  as  in  Wolfs  bane,  and  Anem- 
one 


Rolled  breadth-wise,  g,  as  in  Ferns. 


Plaited,  A,  as  in  the  Palms  and  Birch. 


Rolled   outwards,  i,  as  in  Rosemary  and 
Primrose. 


What  is  said  with  respect  to  the  manner  in  which  leaf  bxids  are  folded  ? 


BODS. 

In  all  cases,  whether  the  leaves  be  rolled,  folded  or  plaited 
they  are  so  arranged  as  to  occupy  the  least  possible  space 

There  is  a  distinction  in  the  forms  of  the  leaf  and  flowei 
buds,  by  which  each  may  be  known,  the  leaf  bud  being  al 
ways  more  slender  and  pointed  than  that  producing  flowers. 
Hence,  gardeners  and  others,  by  inspecting  the  buds  of  fruit 
trees,  can  decide  in  the  Spring,  on  the  prospect  of  a  fruitful 
season. 

The  flower  gems,  like  those  of  the  leaves,  are  wrapped  up 
in  various  forms,  the  petals  and  calyx  being  sometimes  rolled 
into  spirals,  sometimes  plaited,  or  doubled,  &c. 

Du  Hamel  has  given  some  very  curious  details  with  re- 
spect to  the  bud  of  the  Horse-chestnut,  a  tree  in  which  this 
part  is  peculiarly  conspicuous  in  the  fall  and  early  spring. 
The  figures  represent  three  stages  in  the  growth  of  this  bud 

Fig.   150. 


The  bud,  a,  Fig.  150,  is  represented  in  its  en- 
tire state,  covered  with  its  winter  case,  or  scales, 
and  terminating  a  branch. 


The  same  is  shown  at  5,  Fig.  151,  examined  by 
dissection  in  the  spring,  and  exhibiting  its  young 
leaves,  just  beginning  to  expand,  but  still  enclosed 
by  the  bud  scales,  by  which  it  has  been  protected 
during  the  winter. 

The  same,  c,  Fig.  152,  with  the  young  leaves 
partly  opened,  the  bud  scales  being  removed. 
The  pith  of  the  branch  in  the  autumn  was  found 
to  terminate  completely  at  the  base  of  the  bud  as 
represented  in  d,  Fig.  151,  and  in  the  spring  fol- 
lowing, although  the  pith  of  the  new  shoot  came 
in  contact  with  the  old,  yet  it  evidently  was  not 
a  continuation  of  it,  but  a  new  production  of  the 


ig.  152. 


What  is  the  distinction  between  the  leaf  and  flower  buds  ?     Is  the  pith 
of  the  new  bud  a  continuation  of  the  old  or  not  ? 


BUDS 


81 


gem.  The  same  fact  is  apparent  in  the  buds  of  the  Cherry, 
Peach,  Lilac,  and  perhaps  all  other  plants. 

The  buds  of  grasses  and   grains  are  Fis-  153. 

distinguished  by  an  outer  single  scale, 
between  the  stem  and  the  bud,  while 
plants  of  other  classes,  or  tribes,  have 
two  scales  on  opposite  sides  of  their 
buds,  either  distinct  or  united. 

The  cuts,  Fig.  153,  represent  this  ar- 
rangement, a,  a,  being  grass  buds  covered 
with  their  scales ;  b,  showing  the  naked 
buds,  the  scales  being  removed. 

The  buds  which   enclose  both  leaves 

and  flowers  are  also  distinguished  by  their  forms,  but  the 
difference  is  not  so  considerable  as  those  which  contain  only 
the  one,  or  the  other,  this  shape  being  a  medium  between 
the  others. 

In  conformity  to  their  different  contents,  buds  have  been 
arranged  into  three  species,  namely, — 

1.  Gemma  folifera,  or  leaf  gems. 

2.  Gemma  florifera,  or  flower  gems. 

3.  Gemma  mixta,  or  mixed  gems. 

Buds,  though  connected  with  the  parent  stalk,  and  produced 
by  the  vital  action  of  the  plant  of  which  they  are  the  progeny, 
are  still,  in  themselves,  complete  individuals. 

We  have  seen  above  that  the  pith  of  the  new  bud  is  not  a 
continuation  of  the  old,  but  a  new  production.  That  there  is 
no  necessary  connection  between  the  tree  and  bud  after  the 
latter  is  formed,  is  proved  from  the  fact  that  if  a  bud  be  cut 
from  one  tree  and  inserted  into  another,  it  will  grow  into  a 
perfect  branch,  and  bear  fruit  in  the  same  manner  that  it 
would  have  done  on  the  parent  tree.  How  far  with  respect 
to  classes  and  orders  this  may  be  carried  into  practice,  we 
know  not.  It  is  certain  however  that  in  some  instances 
plants  of  very  different  characters  will  grow  on  each  other, 
as  in  the  well-known  instance  of  the  Quince  on  the  Thorn 
bush.  Plants  of  the  same  natural  orders  we  believe  may  be 
budded  successfully  to  almost  any  extent.  Thus  the  Potato 

What  peculiarity  is  there  in  the  buds  of  the  grasses'!  How  have  buda 
been  arranged  into  species  ?  Are  buds  complete  individuals,  or  parts  o., 
the  parent  ? 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    SEEDS. 

has  been  made  to  grow  on  the  Love- Apple  ( Tomato,)  and  the 
Melon,  on  the  Gourd. 

The  budding  of  fine  varieties  of  fruit  on  inferior  trees  of  the 
same  kind,  and  the  more  beautiful  varieties  of  flowers  on 
stalks  that  are  less  so,  is  practised  very  extensively  by  horti- 
culturists. Thus  the  fine  varieties  of  the  Dahlia  grow  on 
the  common  sorts,  by  inserting  their  young  buds  or  eyes  into 
the  root. 


DISTRIBUTION  OF  SEEDS. 

The  Great  Author  of  nature  has  undoubtedly  performed  all 
his  works  in  a  manner  far  more  perfect  than  the  mind  of  a 
finite  being  can  possibly  comprehend.  This  may  be  inferred, 
not  only  from  the  wisdom  of  the  Maker,  but  also  from  the 
universal  truth,  that  the  more  intimately  we  become  acquainted 
with  the  minute  parts,  or  hidden  principles  of  nature,  the 

freater  cause  do  we  find  for  our  admiration  and  astonishment, 
till,  in  no  instance  is  it  probable,  that  we  are  fully  sensible 
of  the  mechanical  perfection  of  any  organic  structure,  or  that 
we  shall  ever,  in  this  world,  become  fully  acquainted  with 
the  laws  by  which  the  actions  or  functions  of  such  structures 
are  governed.  A  plant,  as  well  as  an  animal,  is  surely  "  a 
collection  of  wonders."  The  roots,  the  stems,  the  branches, 
the  leaves,  the  flowers,  and  the  seeds,  are  not  only  perfect  in 
themselves,  but  are  perfectly  adapted,  by  their  varieties,  to 
the  places  where  they  grow,  and  the  purposes  they  are  in- 
tended to  answer  in  the  scale  of  creation.  If  we  examine 
each  of  these  parts  with  attention,  and  especially  if  this 
is  done  by  means  of  microscopic  glasses,  we  shall  be 
astonished  at  the  regularity  arid  beauty  with  which  the  minu- 
test parts  of  each  are  constructed.  In  these  cases,  however, 
our  knowledge  is  "  but  in  part,"  for  although  this  precise 
structure  indicates  design,  yet  there  is  nothing  in  the  struc- 
ture itself  which  explains  to  us  the  purpose  it  is  intended  to 
answer.  The  indications  of  nature  with  respect  to  the  con- 
struction of  many  external  parts  of  plants,  are,  on  the  contrary, 
such  as  we  can  clearly  understand,  because  their  forms,  or 
actions,  are  such  as  to  make  their  uses  perfectly  obvious. 
This  is  the  case  with  respect  to  the  contrivances  with  which 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    SEEDS.  83 

many  plants  are  furnished  for  the  purpose  of  distributing  their 
seeds,  and  which  are  often  highly  interesting,  as  displaying 
the  wisdom  and  design  of  Providence  in  the  lower  orders  of 
creation. 

In  several  species  of  plants,  the  pericarps,  as  they  become 
dry,  open  with  a  jerk,  and  thus  throw  the  seeds  they  contain, 
several  feet,  or  even  yards,  in  all  directions.  The  common 
garden  flower,  Touch-me-not,  (Impatiens,)  is  an  example. 
In  some  of  the  Ferns,  (an  order  of  plants  which  bear  their 
seeds  on  the  backs  of  their  leaves,  or  fronds,)  a  similar  pro- 
vision may  be  observed.  On  examining  a  plant  of  this  tribe 
in  autumn,  small  spots  will  be  seen  on  the  back  of  the  frond, 
at  little  distances  from  each  other,  and  sometimes  crowded 
together.  These  are  the  organs  of  re-production,  and  are 
called  sort.  The  seeds  are  furnished  with  elastic  springs,  by 
which,  when  fully  ripe,  they  are  thrown  to  the  distance  of  a 
foot  or  more.  These  seeds  are  exceedingly  minute,  but  on 
placing  a  frond  on  a  sheet  of  white  paper,  the  effect  may  be 
observed  by  their  distribution  over  its  surface. 

The  little  pods  of  the  Furze,  (Ulcx,)  with  the  same  design, 
are  made  to  burst  with  an  explosion,  when  the  seeds  are  fully 
ripe.  In  dry,  still  weather,  the  snapping,  or  explosion,  thus 
produced,  may  be  heard  to  a  considerable  distance. 

Many  seeds,  as  already  stated,  are  furnished  with  a  pappus, 
or  egret.  Among  these,  the  Dandelion,  the  Thistle,  and  the 
Colt's  Foot,  are  the  most  common  examples.  This  appendage 
constitutes  the  wings  of  such  seeds  ;  and  who,  after  having 
seen  the  air  filled  with  the  germs  of  these  species,  thus  taking 
their  flight  from  one  place  to  another,  can  for  an  instant  doubt 
that  this  downy  apparatus  was  given  them  with  the  express 
design  of  their  thus  fulfilling  two  of  the  great  ends  of  nature, 
the  perpetuity  and  distribution  of  the  species.  These  often 
continue  their  migrations,  says  Dr.  Smith,  "  till  they  are 
overtaken  by  a  shower,  which,  moistening  their  wings,  stops 
their  further  flight,  and  at  the  same  time,  accomplishes  iis 
final  purpose,  by  immediately  promoting  the  germination  of 
each  seed  in  the  moist  earth." 

In  what  manner  may  the  spontaneous  distribution  of  fern  seeds  be  ob- 
served ?  In  what  manner  do  the  pods  of  the  furze  distribute  its  seeds  ? 
What  is  the  use  of  the  pappus,  or  down,  with  which  many  seeds  are  fur- 
nished ? 


84  DISTRIBUTION    OF    SEEDS. 

The  seed  of  the  Maple  and  Ash,  are  also  furnished  with 
wings,  not  of  down,  but  consisting  of  a  fine  membrane,  and 
by  means  of  which  they  are  wafted  from  one  place  to  another, 
at  the  distance  of  several  miles.  Other  seeds  are  provided 
with  hooks,  or  barbs,  by  which  they  attach  themselves  to  the 
clothing  of  various  animals,  and  are  thus  carried  away  from 
the  places  of  their  growth.  There  are  few  persons  on  whose 
acquaintance  the  seeds  of  the  Burdock,  (Arctium  lappa,)  have 
not  forced  themselves  by  such  means.  The  calyx  of  this 
plant  is  furnished  with  hooks,  standing  in  all  directions,  and 
which,  therefore,  are  always  ready  to  catch  hold  of  any 
fibrous  substance  that  happens  to  touch  it.  The  tenacity  with 
which  these  little  intruders  keep  their  hold,  is  well  known  to 
those  who  have  been  the  subjects  of  their  attack. 

There  are  many  other  plants  whose  seeds  are  provided 
with  similar  means  of  disseminating  themselves  to  various 
distances.  The  fruit  of  the  little  vine,  with  whorled  leaves, 
called  Cleavers,  (Galium,)  is  in  the  form  of  a  burr,  which  at- 
taches itself  to  almost  every  thing  that  comes  in  its  way,  and 
hence  there  is  hardly  a  place  in  the  woods,  or  along  fences  in 
the  fields,  where  it  is  not  to  be  found.  The  Tick-seed,  (An- 
cist?'um,)  and  the  Sea-Burdock,  (Xanthium,)  are  possessed  of 
similar  appendages,  by  which  their  seeds  cling  to  other  sub- 
stances, and  are  thus  carried  away  from  the  places  of  their 
growth.  The  awns,  or  beards,  of  many  of  the  grasses, 
answer  the  same  purpose.  For  such  seeds  as  are  not  fur- 
nished with  wings,  or  hooks,  the  wisdom  of  the  Creator  has 
provided  other  means  to  effect  their  dissemination.  Animals, 
such  as  squirrels  and  birds,  are  the  instruments  by  which  the 
seeds  of  nuts,  and  the  kernels  of  pulpy  fruits,  are  often  trans- 
ported to  considerable  distances  from  their  places  of  growth. 
Birds,  in  consequence  of  the  rapidity  of  their  flight,  often 
carry  seeds  some  hundreds  of  miles.  This  circumstance 
will  frequently  account  for  the  appearance  of  a  single  plant 
in  situations  where  its  species  are  entirely  unknown,  and 
where  not  another  individual  of  the  same  kind  is  to  be  found 
in  the  same  district  of  country.  Every  practical  botanist  will 

What  is  said  of  the  wings  of  the  maple  and  ash  1  By  what  means  are 
the  seeds  of  the  burdock  distributed  1  What  other  seeds  are  mentioned  aa 
being  provided  with  similar  means  of  dissemination  1  What  is  said  of  the 
transportation  of  seeds  by  animals  and  birds  ? 


DISTRIBUTION    OF    SEEDS.  8.1 

remember  instances  where  the  appearance  of  a  species  is  in 
no  other  way  to  be  accounted  for. 

Transportation  by  the  currents  of  oceans,  seas,  and  rivers, 
is  still  another  means  of  dispersing  the  seeds  of  plants.  This, 
it  is  true,  would  appear  to  us.  a  matter  of  entire  accident,  but 
still  there  is  no  doubt  that  it  was  designed  as  one  of  the  means 
of  accomplishing  this  great  end.  The  benefits  of  this  mode 
of  transporting  seeds,  have  indeed  to  mankind,  probably  been 
greater  than  any  other  natural  means  Thus  we  find  that 
certain  kinds  of  tropical  fruits,  which  are  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance as  articles  of  food  to  the  inhabitants  of  many  islands 
in  the  torrid  zone,  are  common  to  such  islands,  though  situated 
several  hundred  miles  apart,  or  at  such  distances  as  to  afford 
no  probability  that  their  original  inhabitants  ever  communi- 
cated with  each  other.  In  these  cases  there  is  no  doubt  but 
the  seeds  of  these  plants  were  carried  from  the  main  land,  or 
from  one  island  to  another,  by  the  currents  of  the  ocean.  By 
the  same  means,  the  fruits  of  America  and  of  the  West  Indies, 
are  cast  upon  the  shores  of  the  northern  coasts  of  Scotland, 
the  plants  of  Germany  migrate  to  Sweden,  and  those  of 
southern  Europe  to  England. 

The  currents  of  rivers  are  a  still  more  certain  means  of  pro- 
ducing similar  effects,  because,  being  of  fresh  water,  more 
vegetables  grow  on  their  banks,  than  on  the  shores  of  the 
ocean.  Rivers,  also,  being  subject  to  overflow  their  banks, 
there  are  more  frequent  opportunities  for  seeds  to  take  root, 
and  during  high  freshets,  a  greater  probability  that  a  variety 
of  seeds  would  be  thus  carried  away.  In  this  manner,  plants 
growing  at  the  highest  sources  of  the  great  rivers  of  North 
America,  may  not  only  be  transferred  to  their  banks  in  more 
temperate  climates,  but  having  reached  the  ocean,  may  con- 
tinue their  migration  to  foreign  continents.  Thus  seed  from 
the  head  waters  of  the  Mississippi,  may  be  carried  to  Africa, 
or  Asia,  distances  equal  to  the  earth's  diameter. 

All  these  circumstances  tend  to  show,  that  what  we  call 
nature,  every  where  exhibits  care  and  design,  and  that  the 

What  is  said  of  the  transportation  of  seeds  by  the  currents  of  the  ocean  7 
What  is  said  concerning  the  dissemination  of  seeds  by  the  currents  of 
rivers  ?  What  is  it  said  that  all  these  circumstances  tend  to  show  1 

8 


COMPOUND    FLOWER. 


lowest,  as  well  as  the  highest  orders  of  creation,  are  equally 
and  constantly  under  the  superintendence  of  an  Almighty 
agent. 


RECEPTACLE. 


The  receptacle  is  the  dilated  apex,  or  extremity  of  the 
flower-stalk,  or  the  point  of  connection  between  the  peduncle 
and  the  flower.  In  most  plants  it  is  not  distinguished  by  any 
particular  figure.  But  in  the  compound  flowers,  which 
chiefly  constitute  the  class  Syngenesia,  and  in  describing 
which,  this  term  is  mostly  employed,  the  receptacle  is  a  re- 
markable and  highly  important  part.  When  the  downy  seeds 
of  the  Dandelion  and  Thistle,  have  taken  their  flight,  the 
button-shaped,  naked  and  expanded  part  which  remains  on 
the  extremity  of  the  stalk,  is  the  receptacle. 

Fig.  154,  0,  represents  this  part  in  such  a  state, 
most  of  the  seeds  having  disappeared,  the  points, 
or  dots  on  its  surface  showing  the  places  of  their 
attachment. 

The  term  receptacle,  is  also  employed  to  desig- 
nate that  thread-like  part  of  the  ament  to  which 
the  florets  are  attached.  On  stripping  the  chaffy 
scales  from  the  ament  of  the  willow,  or  chestnut, 
the  filament  which  remains  is  the  receptacle. 
Under  the  name  of  columella,  or  pillar,  this  term  also  signifies 
that  part  of  any  fruit  to  which  the  seeds  are  attached.  The 
cob  of  an  ear  of  Indian  corn  is  the  columella. 


COMPOUND  FLOWER. 

A  compound  flower  consists  of  many  small  flowers,  or 
florets,  each  having  its  stamens,  or  pistils,  or  both,  on  the 
same  common  receptacle.  The  Daisy,  Sun-flower  and 
Dandelion,  are  familiar  examples.  In  the  flowers  of  this 
class,  the  anthers  of  the  florets,  or  each  individual  little 
flower,  are  united  into  a  cylinder.  The  chief  exceptions 
to  this,  exist  in  the  genus  Tussilago,  or  Colt's  foot,  and  the 

What  is  the  receptacle  of  a  flower  ?  In  what  tribe  of  plants  is  the  re- 
ceptacle most  important  1  What  part  of  an  ament  is  called  the  recepta- 
cle '  What  is  a  compound  flower  ?  What  plants  are  familiar  examplei 
of  the  compound  flower' 


n 

AGGREGATE    FLOWERS.  87 

genus  Kuhriia.  The  florets  in  compound  flowers,  with  an 
exception  or  two,  have  each  five  stamens.  They  are  also 
monopetalous,  and  superior,  each  one  standing  on  a  single 
naked  seed. 

The  central  portion  of  a  compound  flower  is  called  its 
disk,  while  the  portion  which  surrounds  this,  is  called  its 
radius  or  ray.  In  the  Daisy,  the  disk  is  yellow,  the  ray  be- 
ing white.  It  is  a  curious  fact,  that  though  these  parts  are 
often  differently  colored,  still  there  are  only  certain  colors 
under  which  they  ever  appear.  Thus  the  disk  is  most  fre- 
quently yellow,  while  the  rays  may  be  yellow  also,  or  white, 
red,  or  blue.  But  no  instance  has  ever  been  known  in  which 
the  flower  had  yellow  rays,  with  a  white,  red,  or  blue  disk. 

AGGREGATE    FLOWERS. 

Flowers  are  called  aggregate,  when  several  florets  are  sit 
uated  on  the  same  receptacle,  each  floret  having  its  anthers 
distinct  and  separate,  and  not  united  into  a  cylinder,  as  in  the 
compound  florets.  Dr.  Smith  observes  that  flowers  of  this 
kind  are  seldom  yellow,  but  are  most  commonly  either  blue, 
purple  or  white.  The  Teasel  (Dipsacus,)  and  the  Cat's  eye, 
(Scabiosa,)  are  examples. 

We  have  now  described  and  illustrated  all  parts  of  a  Plant, 
from  the  Root  to  the  Seed,  and  have  defined  such  botanical 
terms  as  are  most  necessary  for  the  young  botanists  to  un- 
derstand, and  be  able  to  apply,  when  he  goes  into  the  field,  to 
collect  and  distinguish  flowers. 

We  have  not  in  the  usual  manner,  given  a  list  of  terms  be- 
longing to  each  subject,  before  such  terms  had  been  illustra- 
ted and  explained,  because  the  student  can  gain  a  propel 
knowledge  of  scientific  words,  only  by  understanding  how 
they  are  applied.  It  is  therefore  worse  than  useless  for  him 
to  burthen  his  memory  with  a  list  of  terms  in  advance,  since 
he  would  thus  be  in  danger  of  confounding  them.  But  as 
terms  of  science  belonging  to  the  same  subject,  often  have 
a  mutual  relation  to  each  other,  the  pupil,  after  having  learned 
their  uses  individually,  will  be  enabled  much  better  to  under- 
stand and  remember  the  application  of  each,  by  having  them 
thrown  together. 

What  is  the  central  portion  of  a  compound  flower  called  1  What  ia 
said  of  the  colors  of  the  disk  and  ray  ?  What  are  aggregate  flowers 1 


. 

88  RECAPITULATION. 

We  shall  therefore,  here  give  a  synopsis,  or  comprehen- 
sive view  of  what  is  contained  in  the  foregoing  pages,  and 
which  the  pupil  will  find  it  to  his  advantage  to  understand 
and  be  able  to  enunciate  clearly,  before  he  proceeds  with 
what  follows. 


RECAPITULATION. 

ROOT. 

The  root  is  the  descending  part  of  the  vegetable,  or  that 
part  which  enters  the  earth  in  search  of  nourishment. 
In  respect  to  duration  roots  are  as  follows  : 

1.  Annual,  as  the  Potato. 

2.  Biennial,  as  the  Beet,  Parsnip  and  Carrot. 

3.  Perennial,  as  the  Oak,  Chestnut  and  Birch 
In  respect  to  form,  roots  are 

1.  Fusiform,  or  spindle-shaped.     Ex.  Carrot. 

2.  Premorse,  or  bitten  off.     Ex.  Wild  Turnip. 

3.  Ramose,  or  branched.     Ex.  Most  Trees. 

4.  Fibrous.     Ex.  The  Grasses. 

5.  Knotted,  or  tuberous.     Ex.  Potato. 

6.  Granulated.     Ex.  Wood  Sorrel. 

7.  Palmated,  or  hand-shaped.     Ex.  Dahlia. 

8.  Bulbous.     Ex.  Crocus,  Onion,  Garlic. 

9.  Repent,  or  creeping.     Ex.  Mint,  Grasses. 
10.  Root  not  fixed.     Ex.  Duck-meat. 

Some  plants  live  without  roots,  but  absorb  their  nourish- 
ment from  the  air.  Ex.  House-Leek. 

THE    STEM,    OR    TRUNK. 

This  is  the  ascending  part  of  the  plant.  Its  use  is  to  ele- 
vate the  flowers  and  fruit  above  the  ground. 

The  word  trunk  includes  all  kinds  of  stems.  Stems  are 
of  the  following  kinds. 

1 .   Caulis,  the  main   stem,  or  body  of  a  tree.     It  is  also 

What  part  of  a  vegetable  is  the  root  ?  How  do  roots  differ  in  respect 
to  duration  ?  What  are  the  names  of  the  differently  formed  roots,  and 
what  are  examples  of  each  ? 


THE    STEM    OR    TRUNK.  89 

applied  to  the  corresponding  part  of  other  plants,  except  those 
of  the  grassy  kind. 

The  stem  may  be  succulent,,  woody,  fleshy,  or  medullary, 
that  is,  containing  a  pith,  or  iv  may  be  empty,  or  hollow. 
This  kind  of  stem  is  therefore  subdivided  as  follows  : 

(a)  Caulis  ligneus,  woody  stem.     Ex.  Oak,  Birch. 

(b)  Caulis  medullosus,  a  pithy  stem.     Ex.  Elder. 

(c)  Caulis  tubulosus,  a  hollow  stem.     Ex.  Dill,  Fennel. 

(d)  Caulis  simplex,  a  simple  stem.     Ex.  Lily,  Bamboo. 

(e)  Caulis  ramosus,   a  branched  stem.     Ex.  Poplar,  Oak. 

(f )  Caulis  nudus,  a  naked  stem.     Ex.  Saltwort. 

(g)  Caulis perfoliatus.     Stem  passing  through  a  leaf.     Ex. 
Boneset,  or  Thoroughwort. 

(h)  Caulis  volubilis,  a  twining  stem.     Ex.  Bean,  Hop. 
Some  stems  twine  to  the  left,  and  others  to  the  right.     All 
stems  of  the  same  species,  twine  in  the  same  direction. 

2.  CULMUS,  a  Straw.     The   culm,  not  only  includes  the 
stems  of  the  grasses  and  grains,  but  also  those  of  other  plants 
which  resemble  these.     Culms  are  of  several  kinds,  as  fol- 
lows, viz. 

(a)  Articulated  culm,  a  jointed  straw.     Ex.  Wheat. 

(b)  Geniculated  culm.     A  straw  bent  like  the  knee  joint. 
Ex.  Fox-tail  grass. 

(c)  Simple  culm.     A  culm  without  joints.     Ex.  Rush. 

3.  SCAPE.     Flower  stem.     This  is  an  upright  stem,  which 
springs  from  the  root,  and  bears  the  flower  and  fruit,  but  not 
the  leaves.     Ex.  Daffodil,  Cowslip. 

4.  STIPE.     The  stipe  is  the   stem  of  the  Mushroom,  or 
Fungus  tribe.     This  term  is  also  employed  to  express  the 
little  stem,  or  pillar,  which  elevates  the  down  in  the  Dande- 
lion, and  Thistle. 

5.  FROND.     This  term  is  applied  to  such  plants  as  have 
their  stems  and  leaves  in  a  single  piece,  as  the  Ferns.     These 
plants  bear  their  seeds  on  the  backs  of  their  fronds,  or  rolled 
up  in  them.     It  applies  only  to  Cryptogamous  plants. 

6.  Peduncle,  or  flower  stalk.     This  stem  shoots  out  from 
the  limb,  or  twig  of  the  tree,  and  bears  the  fruit  only.     The 

What  part  of  the  plant  is  the  stem  ?     What  are  the  different  kinds  of 

stems,  and  what  are  examples  of  each  kind  ?     What  is  a  culm  ?     What  is 

a  geniculated  culm  ?    What  is  a  simple  culm  ?    What  is  a  scape  ?  What 

is  a  stipe  ?     What  is  a  frond  ?     What  part  of  the  plant  is  the  peduncle  ? 

8* 


90  RECAPITULATION. 

stem  of  the  apple  is  its  peduncle.     When  it  springs  directly 
from  the  ground,  it  is  called  a  scape. 

7.  Petiole,  the  foot  stalk  of  the  leaf.  This  is  that  part,  usu- 
ally small,  which  connects  the  leaf  to  the  tree.  It  is  simple 
when  it  supports  but  one  leaf,  as  in  the  Oak,  Apple,  and 
Plum  ;  and  compound,  when  it  supports  several,  as  in  the 
Ash,  and  Rose. 

FOLIUM,    A    LEAF. 

The  leaf  is  that  part  of  most  vegetables  which  presents 
the  greatest  surface  to  the  air.  Leaves  differ  from  each  other 
in  respect  to  substance,  form,  texture,  color,  surface,  duration, 
&c. 

Leaves  are  divided  into  two  classes,  viz.  simple  and  com- 
pound. 

Simple  leaves.  Leaves  are  called  simple,  when  only  one 
grows  on  the  same  petiole,  or  foot  stalk.  Ex.  Cherry,  Peach. 

Simple  leaves  are  of  various  forms,  as  round,  ovate,  oblong. 

Compound  leaves.  Leaves  are  said  to  be  compound,  when 
several  grow  on  the  same  foot  stalk.  These  are  called  leaf- 
lets. Ex.  Rose,  Ash,  Sumac. 

The  forms  of  compound  leaves,  or  their  modes  of  growth, 
are  various,  as  binate,  ternate,  pinnate. 

The  summits,  or  terminations  of  leaves,  differ  from  each 
other,  and  the  forms  of  these  parts  are  distinguished  by  the 
terms,  acuminate,  mucronate. 

In  respect  to  their  surfaces,  leaves  are  smooth,  velvety, 
nerved. 

Leaves  grow  in  several  directions  with  respect  to  their 
stems.  This  circumstance  affords  the  distinctions  of  erect, 
horizontal,  reclined. 

In  respect  to  the  manner,  or  situation  of  their  attachment, 
leaves  admit  of  several  distinctions,  such  as  radical,  alternate, 
opposite. 

Some  leaves  are  of  immense  size.  Ex.  Fan-palm.  Cer- 
tain leaves  are  hollow,  and  contain  water.  Ex.  Chinese 
Pitcher  plant,  Side-saddle  flower. 

What  part  is  the  petiole  ?  What  part  of  a  plant  is  the  leaf?  How  are 
the  leaves  divided  ?  When  are  leaves  called  simple  ?  When  are  leaves 
•aid  to  be  compound  ? 


THE    FLOWER. 


ARMS,    OR    APPENDAGES    OF    PLANTS. 

Certain  species  of  plants  are  furnished  with  appendages 
called  arms,  or  props.  In  other  species,  these  parts  are  en- 
tirely wanting.  When  present,  they  are  often  useful  in  the 
descriptive  part  of  Botany,  as  a  means  of  distinguishing  one 
plant  from  another.  These  appendages  are  called, 

1.  Stipules,  which  are  small  leaves,  growing  at  the  foot- 
stalks of  the   ordinary  leaves.     Ex.   Pea,  Rose,  and  Wild 
Cherry. 

2.  Bracts,  or   floral   leaves.     These  are  attached  to  the 
flower-stalks,  and  are  smaller,  and  of  a  different  shape  from 
the  other  leaves.     Ex.  Lime  tree,  Sage. 

3.  Thorn,  or  spine.     This   part  originates  in  the  wood. 
Ex.  Thorn-bush,   Locust.     It  sometimes   disappears  by  cul- 
ture. 

4.  Prickle,  or  briar.     This  arises  from  the  bark  of  the  plant, 
and  never  disappears  by  culture.     Ex.  Rose,   Gooseberry. 

5.  Tendril.      Clasper.      This  is  the   true   fulcrum.     Ex. 
Gourd,  Grape  Vine,  Pumpkin. 

6.  Gland.     This  is  a  small  tumor   which  secretes  some 
kind  of  fluid.     It  is  situated  on  various  parts  of  plants,  Ex. 
Leaves  of  the  Peach,  and  Plum. 

7.  Pubescence.     This  term  means  the  clothing  of  plants, 
such  as  hair,  wool,  down,  &c.     Ex.  Mullein,  Nettle,  Peach. 

THE    FLOWER. 

The  parts  which  properly  belong  to  the  flower,  are  the 
Calyx,  Corolla,  Stamens,  and  Pistils.  The  Germen  belongs 
both  to  the  flower  and  fruit. 

Calyx. 

The  calyx,  or  flower-cup,  is  of  various  shapes,  and  admits 
of  the  following  divisions,  viz. 

1.  Perianth.     The   calyx  is  so  called    when  it  surrounds 
he  corolla,  or  flower.     Ex.  Pink,  Rose,  Currant. 

2.  Involucre.     This    calyx  is    placed   below   the    flower 
which  it  never  surrounds.     Ex.  Dill,  Parsnip,  Fennel. 

3.  Ament,  or  catkin.     Ex.  Willow,  Chestnut. 

What  are  stipules  ?  What  are  bracts  ?  How  does  a  thorn  differ  from 
a  prickle  ?  What  is  a  tendril  ?  What  is  a  gland  ?  What  are  the  parts 
properly  belonging  to  a  flower  ?  Does  the  germen  belong  to  the  flower, 
or  fi  uit  1 


92  RECAPITULATION. 

4.  Spathe,  or  sheath.     Ex.  Daffodil,  Onion. 
5    Glume,  a  husk.     This  is  the  calyx  of  the  Oat,  and  many 
Gra&ses. 

6.  Volva,  a  wrapper.     This  at  first  covers  the  cap  of  the 
Mushroom,  and  afterwards  contracts  and  forms  a  ring  around 
its  stipe. 

7.  Calyptra,  a  hood.     Ex.  the  Mosses. 

Corolla. 

The  corolla  is  the  delicate  colored  part  of  the  flower. 
When  this  part  consists  of  only  one  piece,  it  is  called  mono- 
petalous. 

Monopetalous  corollas  are  of  several  kinds,  viz. 

Campanulate,  bell-shaped.     Ex.  Bell-flower. 

Funnel-shaped.     Ex.  Tobacco,  Morning  Glory. 

Wheel-shaped,  rotate.     Ex.  Common  Laurel. 

Labiate,  lip-shaped.     Ex.  Sage,  Lavender. 

Polypetalous  corollas  are  of  the  following  kinds,  viz. 

Butterfly -shaped.  The  petals  of  this  corolla  are  named  the 
standard,  the  wings,  and  the  keel.  Ex.  the  Pea,  Bean. 

Cross-shaped,  or  cruciform.  It  consists  of  four  petals. 
Ex.  Mustard,  Cress. 

Nectary  or  Honey  Cup. 

It  does  not  always  secrete  the  honey,  and  signifies  any  ap- 
pendage to  a  flower  which  has  no  other  name. 

INFLORESCENCE. 

This  term  signifies  the  mode  of  flowering.  The  kinds  of 
inflorescence  are  the  following  : 

1.  Terminal  flower.     Ex.  Peony,  Pink. 

2.  Umbel.     Inflorescence  like  the  sticks  of  an  umbrella. 
Plants  of  this  kind  are  called  umbelliferous.     Ex.  Cicuta, 
Carrot,  Dill. 

3.  Verticillate,  whorled.     Ex.  Motherwort,  Mint. 

4.  Itacemus,  a  cluster.     Ex.  Currant,  Grape. 

5.  Spike.     Flowers  arranged  along  a  common  peduncle. 
Ex.  Wheat,  Barley,  Hardback. 

6.  Corymb.     Ex.  Yarrow,  Aster. 

7.  Fasciculus,  a  tuft,  or  bundle.     Ex.  Sweet  William. 

8.  Capitum,  a  head.     Ex.  Teasel,  Clover. 

How  is  the  calyx  distinguished  from  the  corolla  ?  What  part  of  a  plant 
£  the  nectary  ?  What  is  meant  by  inflorescence  ? 


SEED.  93 

9.  Panicle,  a  loose  raceme.     Ex.  The   Oat,  and  many  of 
the  Grasses. 

10.  Thyrsus,  a  kind  of  panicle.     Ex.  Lilac. 

11.  Spadix.     A    spike   with  the   flowers   close   together, 
Ex.  Indian  Turnip,  Egyptian  Lily. 

FRUIT,    OR    SEED. 

When  the  seed  is  enclosed,  the  whole  is  called  the  fruit. 
When  the  seed  is  naked,  then  this  alone  is  called  the  fruit. 

Pericarp,  a  general  term  for  the  seed  vessel  of  every  kind 
of  fruit.  It  is  of  various  forms,  sizes  and  textures,  and  there- 
fore is  distinguished  by  various  names,  of  which  the  following 
are  the  most  common. 

1.  Capsule.     This  kind  of  pericarp  becomes  dry  when 
ripe,  and  opens  by  valves.     Ex.  Poppy,  Flax. 

2.  Siliqua,  or  pod.     This  is  divided  by  a  partition,  which 
is  the  receptacle.     Ex.  Cabbage,  Turnip. 

3.  Silicic,  a  little,  or  short  pod.     Ex.  Satin  Flower. 

4.  Legume.     This  has   no  division.     Seeds   attached  to 
the  margins  of  the  valves.     Ex.  Pea,  Bean. 

5.  Follicle,  or  bag.     Ex.  Milkweed,  Perriwinkle. 

6.  Drupe.     Stone  Fruit.     Ex.  Cherry,  Plum,  Peach. 

7.  Nut.     One  celled,  dry,  and  bony.     Ex.  Walnut,  Acorn. 

8.  Bacca,  a  berry.     Ex.  Currant,  Gooseberry,  Orange. 

9.  Pomum,  an  Apple.     Pericarp  fleshy,  and  without  valves. 
Ex.  Apple,  Pear,  Quince. 

10.  Strobulus,  a  cone,     Ex.  Pine,  Fir. 

11.  Compound  Berry.     Many  berries  united  into  one  mass 
Ex.  Blackberry,  Raspberry. 

SEED. 

The  seed  consists  of  the  albumen,  the  embryo  and  their 
coverings. 

The  covering,  or  integuments,  is  the  skin  which  immedi- 
ately surrounds  the  seed.  In  the  Bean,  and  Pea,  this  cover- 
ing bursts,  when  the  seed  begins  to  germinate. 

Albumen,  or  white.  This  furnishes  the  first  nourishment 
to  the  young  plant.  Ex.  Wheat. 

What  parts  of  the  vegetable  are  called  the  fruit  1  What  is  the  peri- 
carp ?  Of  how  many  parts  does  the  seed  consist,  and  what  are  their 


94  CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLANTS. 

Embryo.  The  embryo  consists  of  the  cotyledons ,  trie 
radicle,  and  theplumula. 

Cotyledons.  These  are  the  seed  lobes,  and  compose  the 
principal  parts  of  leguminous  seeds,  as  Beans,  and  Peas. 
They  form  the  first  two  leaves  of  the  young  plant. 

Radicle,  or  young  root.  This  is  the  part  of  the  embryo 
which  descends,  or  shoots  into  the  ground  and  forms  the 
root. 

Plumula.  This  is  the  ascending  rudiment  of  the  embryo. 
It  forms  the  stem  and  branches  of  the  plant. 

Hilum,  called  the  scar,  or  eye  of  the  seed.  It  is  the  point 
of  union  between  the  seed  and  receptacle. 

Pappus,  egret,  or  down.  The  wings  of  the  seed.  Some- 
times elevated  by  a  stipe.  Ex.  Dandelion. 

Sessile  pappus.  That  is,  attached  to  the  seed.  Ex. 
Thistle. 

Plumose  egret.     Feathery  pappus.     Ex.  Dandelion. 

BUDS. 

Buds  are  of  three  kinds. 

1.  Leaf  buds,  those  containing  leaves  only. 

2.  Fruit  buds,  those  containing  fruit  only. 

3.  Mixed  buds,  those  containing  fruit  and  leaves. 

The  use  of  the  bud  is  to  protect  its  contents  from  the  cold 
of  winter.  In  h.ot  climates  no  buds  exist.  Leaf  buds  aro 
more  extended,  and  their  points  sharper  than  flower  buds. 

Young  leaves  are  folded  in  their  buds  in  various  ways. 
Some  are  doubled,  others  plaited,  others  rolled,  &c. 

Buds  are  complete  individuals,  as  is  shown  by  their  growth 
when  taken  from  one  tree  and  inserted  into  another. 


CLASSIFICATION  OF  PLANTS. 

The  illustrations  which  we  have  given  of  the  different 
parts  of  plants,  in  the  foregoing  pages,  and  the  explanation 
of  the  terms  by  which  they  are  designated,  are  the  prepara- 
tory means  by  which  the  pupil  will  be  enabled  to  understand 
a  systematic  arrangement  of  the  vegetable  kingdom,  and  ulti- 
mately to  distinguish  one  species  from  another. 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLANTS.  W* 

Considering  the  vast  number  of  different  plants  which  the 
fields,  the  woods,  the  meadows,  and  even  the  water  present 
to  us,  it  is  obvious  that  we  should  never  be  able  to  remember 
ther  names,  or  qualities,  or  to  communicate  to  others  what  we 
know  concerning  them,  without  some  regular  method  of  dis- 
tinction. For  instance,  suppose  the  grain  which  we  call 
Wheat,  was  lately  discovered,  and  generally  unknown  ;  by 
what  method  could  a  person  who  knew  nothing  of  Botany 
designate  this  plant  so  that  it  might  be  known  from  all  others  ? 
Having  written  sheets  on  this  grain,  and  described  its  root. 
stalk,  spike  and  flowers,  with  all  the  minuteness  of  which  com- 
mon language  is  capable,  there  would  still  be  wanting  those 
distinctive  marks  by  which  Wheat  could  certainly  be  known 
from  all  other  vegetables,  and  therefore,  readers  would  be 
constantly  liable  to  confound  it  with  Rye,  the  grain  which  in 
general  appearance  it  most  resembles.  But  by  a  systematic 
arrangement  of  plants,  together  with  the  assistance  of  definite 
terms,  which  are  applied  to  the  peculiarities  of  each  species, 
botanists  are  enabled  to  designate  one  plant  from  another  in  a 
few  lines,  and  with  the  greatest  certainty. 

It  is  on  such  distinctive  marks,  or  invariable  peculiarities, 
that  all  the  natural  sciences  are  founded,  and  it  may  well 
excite  our  wonder  that  throughout  all  the  kingdoms  and 
orders  of  nature,  men  have  been  enabled  to  discover  such 
peculiarities,  as  the  foundation  of  scientific  arrangements. 

Natural  and  Artificial  Methods. — In  Botany,  there  are  two 
methods  of  arrangement,  called  the  natural,  and  artificial 
methods.  The  most  superficial  observer,  says  Dr.  Smith, 
must  perceive  something  like  the  classification  of  nature. 
The  Grasses,  Umbelliferous  plants,  Mosses,  Sea-weeds, 
Ferns,  Liliaceous  plants,  Orchises,  and  Compound  flowers, 
oach  constitute  a  family  strikingly  similar  in  form  and  quali- 
ties among  themselves,  and  no  less  evidently  distinct  from  all 
others.  If  the  whole  vegetable  kingdom  could  with  equal 
facility  be  distinguished  into  tribes,  or  classes,  the  study  of 
Botany  on  such  a  plan  would  be  no  less  easy  than  satisfactory. 
But  as  we  proceed  in  this  path,  we  soon  find  ourselves  in  a 
labyrinth.  The  natural  orders  and  families  of  plants,  so  far. 
from  being  connected  in  a  regular  series,  approach  one  another 
by  so  many  points,  as  to  bewilder,  instead  of  directing  us. 

What  are  the  two  methods  of  botanical  arrangement  called?  What 
tribes  of  plants  are  mentioned  as  constituting  natural  classifications  ? 


96  CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLANTS. 

To  one  who  has  the  science  to  learn,  therefore,  the  natural 
method  of  arrangement  cannot  be  studied  to  advantage,  as  it 
Is  by  far  more  difficult  than  the  artificial  one.  But  notwith- 
standing this,  philosophical,  or  professed  Botanists,  who 
desire  to  gain  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  vegetable  king- 
dom, have  ever  considered  the  natural  affinities  of  plants  as 
the  most  interesting  object  of  study,  and  indeed  the  ground 
work  of  systematic  Botany. 

Linnaan  Arrangement. — The  artificial  method,  now  uni- 
versally adopted,  was  invented  by  the  great  Linnaeus,  who 
was  born  in  Sweden  in  1707.  Linnaeus  was  undoubtedly 
the  most  learned  and  profound  of  all  naturalists.  His  system 
of  Botany  has  remained  with  little  alteration  until  this  day, 
and  his  natural  history,  arrangement  of  animals,  fishes, 
insects,  and  shells,  not  only  laid  the  foundation  of  our  present 
knowledge  of  these  subjects,  but  have  stood  as  guides  to  all 
naturalists  who  have  followed  him.  In  some  of  these  depart- 
ments, it  is  true,  that  the  extension  of  knowledge  since  his 
death,  has  discovered  errors,  and  there  have  not  been  want- 
ing new  systems,  on  all  these  subjects,  founded  on  the 
advancement  of  knowledge.  But  the  most  popular  and 
simple  methods  of  arrangement  are  still  those  of  Linnaeus. 

Classes. — By  the  Linnaean  system,  the  vegetable  kingdom 
is  divided  into  24  classes.  These  classes  are  distinguished 
from  each  other  by  the  number,  situation,  or  proportion  of  the 
stamens  which  their  flowers  contain,  so  that  this  arrangement 
is  founded  entirely  on  the  flowers  of  the  plants.  It  is  neces- 
sary, therefore,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  place  of  any  plant  in 
the  arrangement,  and  consequently  its  name,  that  its  flower 
should  in  the  first  place  be  obtained. 

Orders. — These  classes  are  divided  into  orders,  which  are 
founded  either  in  the  number  of  the  styles,  or  pistils  the  flowers 
contain  ;  on  the  situation  of  the  fruit ;  on  the  kind  of  pericarp  ; 
or  on  some  other  circumstance  which  will  be  explained, 
when  we  come  to  illustrate  this  part  of  our  subject. 

Genera. — The  orders  are  next  separated  into  genera,  the 
names  of  which  are  generally  arbitrary,  that  is,  not  depend- 

Which  is  said  to  be  the  most  simple,  the  natural,  or  artificial  method  ? 
By  which  method  is  the  most  complete  knowledge  of  Botany  to  be  ob- 
tained ?  What  is  said  of  Linnaeus  and  his  method  ?  How  is  the  vegeta- 
ble kingdom  divided,  according  to  the  Linnajan  system  ?  On  what  part  of 
the  plant  is  the  Linmean  arrangement  founded  ?  How  are  the  classes 
divided,  and  on  what  parts  of  the  flower  is  the  second  division  fovnuled  ? 
What  is  the  next  division  ? 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLA.NTS.  97 

ent  on  any  botanical  relation,  or  peculiarity  of  the  plant. — 
The  names  of  some  of  the  genera  are,  however,  founded  on 
the  supposed  virtues  of  the  plant,  though  such  virtues  are 
often  unknown  at  the  present  day.  Thus  Nasturtium  is  so 
called  from  the  effects  of  its  acrimony  on  the  nose,  nasus 
torsus,  signifying  a  convulsed  nose,  and  Peony  is  named  after 
the  physician  Peon,  who  is  said  to  have  cured  Pluto,  with  this 
plant,  of  a  wound  inflicted  by  Hercules.  Other  of  the  generic 
names  are  borrowed  from  the  fables  of  the  poets,  and  other 
genera  are  named  from  their  situations  or  places  of  their 
growth.  Thus  Nymphae,  comes  from  nymph,  the  Naiad  of 
streams,  and  Anemone,  from  a  Greek  word  signifying  wind, 
because  it  is  said  that  this  plant  prefers  hilly  situations,  which 
are  exposed  to  the  wind.  But  more  recently  it  has  been  cus- 
tomary to  name  most  of  the  newly  discovered  genera  after 
some  distinguished  man,  and  especially  thus  to  immortalize 
the  names  of  eminent  botanists.  Thus  Jacksonia,  was 
named  after  Mr.  Jackson,  an  English  botanist,  and  Bromelia, 
in  honor  of  Olaus  Bromel,  a  Swede ;  Linnaea,  after  Lin- 
naeus, &c. 

Species. — The  genera  are  sub-divided  into  species,  the 
names  of  which  are  mostly  derived  from  some  circumstance 
by  which  the  plants  can  be  distinguished  from  each  other. 
Perhaps  such  distinctions  are  most  frequently  founded  on 
some  difference  in  the  form  of  the  leaf,  but  the  length  of  the 
stalk,  the  scent  of  the  flower,  or  plant,  or  the  place  whence 
the  species  came,  as  well  as  a  great  variety  of  other  circum- 
stances, have  been  the  foundations  of  specific  names. 

The  well  known  genus,  Geranium,  of  which  there  is  a 
great  number  of  species,  affords  an  excellent  illustration  of 
this  subject.  As  in  several  other  genera,  the  species  is  fre- 
quently named  after  some  plant,  the  leaf  of  which  the  leaves 
of  the  Geranium  most  resemble.  This  is  an  excellent  mode 
of  distinction,  as  it  is  permanent,  and  often  so  striking  as  not 
to  be  mistaken.  Thus,  in  respect  to  the  form  of  the  leaf,  we 
have  the  Oak-leaved,  the  Crow-foot-leaved,  and  the  Aconite- 
leived  Geranium  ;  also,  the  heart-leaved,  jagged-leaved,  &c. 
In  respect  to  the  length,  or  other  circumstances  concerning 
the  stalk,  we  have  the  long-stalked,  the  thick- stalked,  and  the 
angular-stalked  species.  With  respect  to  the  odor,  there  is 

On  what  are  the  names  of  the  genera  chiefly  founded  ?  What  are  the 
divisions  of  the  genera  called  ?  From  what  circumstances  do  the  genera 
derive  their  names  ? 


98  CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLANTS. 

the  Rose-scented,  the  Fish-scented,  the  Musk-scented,  and 
many  others.  With  reference  to  localities,  whence  the  spe- 
cies came,  there  is  the  Siberian,  the  Canary,  the  Russian,  6fc. 
And  in  honor  of  different  persons,  there  are  Wildenoufs,  Bar- 
ringtorfs,  Watson's  Geranium,  &c. 

Now  it  is  obvious  that  the  most  convenient,  as  well  as  most 
scientific  name  of  a  species  is  that  which  is  founded  on  some 
invariable  peculiarity  belonging  to  the  plant  itself,  since  it 
can  then  form  a  part  of  the  description,  and  thus  become  one 
of  the  means  of  distinction.  For  instance,  the  Oak-leaved, 
or  the  Crowfoot-leaved  Geranium  may  readily  be  distinguish- 
ed by  these  parts,  without  further  examination  ;  and  he  who 
has  ever  touched  a  Fish-scented,  or  an  Apple-scented  Gera- 
nium, will  never  be  at  a  loss  to  distinguish  these  species, 
though  growing  with  hundreds  of  others.  But  when  species 
are  named  after  their  localities,  or  in  honor  of  persons,  their 
names  can  never  be  employed  as  a  means  of  distinction. 
Thus,  Siberian,  or  Watsons  Geranium,  expresses  nothing 
which  affords  us  the  least  information  concerning  the  appear- 
ance or  qualities  of  the  plant. 

These  remarks  extend  equally  to  the  genera,  the  names  of 
which  will  often  strike  the  pupil  as  extremely  inappropriate 
and  improper.  Thus,  Linnaea,  which  we  have  stated  was 
named  after  Linnaeus;  the  father  of  scientific  Botany,  is  a 
"  depressed,  abject,  Lapland  plant,  long  overlooked,"  and  if 
known,  affords  nothing  worthy  of  notice  except  its  name. 
What  a  pity  that  this  name  had  not  been  given  to  some  noble 
genus,  generally  known,  like  the  Calla,  or  to  one  which  pre- 
sents striking  singularities  of  appearance,  or  habit,  like  the 
Aloe  or  Cactus.  On  the  contrary,  Ambrosia,  a  classical 
name,  which  signifies  in  heathen  mythology,  the  "  food  of 
the  divinities,"  is  applied  to  a  common  weed,  as  mean  and 
contemptible  in  its  appearance,  as  it  is  worthless  in  its  quali- 
ties, so  that  one  species  has  obtained  the  vulgar  name  of 
hog-weed.  Other  misapplications  of  the  same  kind  frequently 
occur  in  the  nomenclature  of  Botany. 

Species  never  change. — Many  species  of  plants  produce 
varieties;  that  is,  some  plants,  from  the  same  seed  or  root, 
will  differ  from  each  other  in  consequence  of  accidental 

What  is  the  most  convenient  and  scientific  name  of  a  species  ?  Why 
would  some  peculiarity  of  the  plant  form  the  best  specific  name?  What 
is  said  concerning  the  misapplication  of  botanical  names  ? 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLAN'J'S.  99 

causes.  These  differences  appear  to  depend  on  the  mode 
of  culture,  richness  of  the  soil,  temperature  of  the  climate, 
influence  of  the  pollen  of  one  plant  on  the  stigma  of  anoth- 
er, &c.  The  changes  thus  produced,  affect  chiefly  the  mag- 
nitude, color,  or  number  of  petals  of  the  flowers,  the  form 
of  the  leaves,  the  size,  color,  and  taste  of  the  fruit,  and  the 
qualities  or  form  of  the  roots.  But  the  seed  of  the  species 
is  never  thus  changed,  always  producing  the  original  kind, 
and  not  the  peculiarity  of  that  variety  from  which  it  was 
taken.  Thus  the  apple  and  pear  produce  innumerable  varie- 
ties, in  respect  to  form,  color,  and  taste,  but  the  specie ;s  of 
each  always  remains  the  same. 

If  several  seeds  from  the  same  apple  tree  be  planted,  each 
new  tree  thus  produced,  will  probably  bring  forth  fruit,  which 
not  only  differs  from  that  of  the  parent  tree,  but  also  from 
each  other.  Thus  seeds  from  green  sour  apples,  will  pro- 
duce sweet  red  fruit,  or  the  contrary.  And  so  the  seeds 
from  large  apples  will  produce,  or  may  produce  small  fruit, 
and  in  like  manner,  seeds  from  small  apples  may  produce 
large  fruit.  But  though  the  apple  and  pear  belong  to  the 
same  genus,  that  is,  Pyrus,  no  human  means  can  change 
one  into  the  other,  that  is,  the  seeds  of  the  apple,  though  they 
may  produce  varieties  which  differ  greatly  from  each  other, 
never  produce  pears. 

In  this  respect,  the  law  of  nature  is  as  immutable  as  it  is 
with  respect  to  gravity,  or  to  the  rising  and  setting  of  the 
sun.  In  no  instance  has  a  new  species  ever  been  known  to 
be  produced  by  cultivation,  mixture,  or  any  other  means.  In 
some  instances,  monsters,  differing  greatly  in  many  respects 
from  the  species,  have  been  the  product  of  art  or  intermix- 
ture, but  they  seldom  or  never  bear  seeds  which  are  prolific. 
So  that  the  established  law  of  nature,  though  in  appearance 
thus  encroached  upon,  is  never  broken,  but  rather  in  the  sight 
of  man,  confirmed  by  such  products. 

Were  it  otherwise,  and  were  new  species  formed  by  inter- 
mixture, or  by  any  other  means,  it  is  obvious  that  the  face  of 
nature  would  constantly  be  subject  to  entire  revolutions,  and 
that  the  trees  of  the  forest,  and  the  seed-bearing  corn,  as  well 
as  the  more  humble  grass  of  the  field,  which  are  the  same 

What  is  meant  by  varieties ?  What  circumstances  produce  varieties? 
What  parts  are  chiefly  affected  in  the  formation  of  varieties '{  Are  the 
species  ever  changed  by  the  circumstances  which  produce  varieties  ? . 
Have  the  species  of  plants  ever  been  known  to  be  changed  by  any  circura 

stance  whatever '/ 


100  CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLANTS. 

now  that  they  were  in  the  days  of  Noah,  would,  even  since 
the  days  of  our  forefathers,  have  many  of  them  become  en- 
tirely extinct,  and  we  should  now  have  had  a  new  vegetable 
kingdom,  of  which  Linnaeus  and  his  immediate  followers 
knew  nothing.  Since  the  creation,  therefore,  it  is  not  proba- 
ble that  a  new  species  has  been  formed,  though  there  might 
have  existed  many  before  the  flood,  which  were  then  de- 
stroyed, and  there  are  probably  many  still  in  existence,  of 
which  we  know  nothing.  But  we  must  leave  this  fruitful 
subject  to  explain  the  Linnaean  system. 

Explanation  of  the  Linn&an  System. — We  have  stated  that 
this  system  consists  of  24  Classes,  which  are  divided  into 
Orders,  the  Orders  into  Genera,  the  Genera  into  Species,  and 
the  Species  into  Varieties,  when  they  exist. 

The  first  ten  classes  are  founded  entirely  on  the  number  of 
stamens  the  flowers  contain,  and  are  distinguished  by  names, 
derived  from  the  Greek,  which  express  the  number  of  these 
parts  belonging  to  each  class.  The  first  class  is  named  Mon- 
andria,  which  signifies  one  stamen,  being  compounded  of  the 
Greek  word  monos,  one,  and  aner,  a  stamen.  The  second 
class,  in  like  manner,  signifies  two  stamens,  and  is  called  Di- 
andria, being  composed  of  the  word  dis,  twice,  and  aner,  a 
stamen.  Monandria,  therefore,  simply  means  one  stamen, 
Diandria,  two  stamens,  arid  the  next  class  Triandria,  three 
stamens,  and  so  on,  to  the  tenth  class,  which  of  course  has 
ten  stamens. 

This  part  of  the  classification  is  therefore  extremely  sim- 
ple, and  any  child  who  reads  it,  and  who  has  previously 
learned  to  distinguish  the  stamens,  may  immediately  become 
a  practical  botanist ;  since  all  that  is  required  to  refer  a  plant 
to  its  proper  place  in  any  of  the  classes,  from  the  first  to  the 
tenth,  is  to  count  the  stamens,  and  observe  whether  they  are 
separate,  and  all  of  the  same  length.  Thus  if  the  flower  has 
one  stamen,  he  may  know  that  it  belongs  to  the  class  Monan- 
dria, if  it  has  two,  it  belongs  to  Diandria,  if  three,  Trian- 
dria, &c. 

The  nomenclature  of  the  other  classes  will  be  explained 
in  turn,  and  in  connection  with  their  illustrations ;  after  which 
will  be  found  a  synopsis  of  the  whole  system  ;  there  being, 

What  would  be  the  consequence  of  a  change  of  species  on  the  face  ol 
the  earth  ?  What  is  the  foundation  of  the  first  ten  classes  ?  How  many 
stamens  has  the  first  class  ?  How  many  the  second  ?  How  many  the 
third  ?&c. 


CLASSIFICATION    OFJ" PLANTS.  ;    \ty\J 

we  conceive,  no  advantage  in  forcing  the  pupil  to  burthert  hi* 
memory  with  the  names  of  the  classes  and  orders  in  advance. 

The  Orders  of  the  first  thirteen  classes  are  founded  on  the 
number  of  styles,  or  on  the  number  of  stigmas,  when  the 
styles  are  wanting.  The  names  of  these  orders  are  therefore 
indicative  of  the  number  of  pistils  or  stigmas  which  the  flow- 
ers contain,  as  the  names  of  the  classes  are  of  the  number  of 
stamens.  The  name  of  the  first  order  in  each  of  the  thirteen 
classes  is  Monogynia,  which  word  is  derived  from  the  Greek 
monos,  one,  and  gyne,  a  pistil,  and  therefore  means  one  pistil 
The  second  order  is  also  the  same  in  most  of  the  first  thir 
teen  classes.  Its  name,  Digynia,  is  derived  from  dis,  twice, 
and  gyne,  a  pistil,  and  signifies  two  pistils.  The  third  order  is 
Trigynia,  three  pistils  ;  the  fourth,  Tetragynia,  four  pistils,  &c. 

Nothing  in  the  form  of  science  can  be  more  simple  or 
more  easily  understood  than  the  first  half  of  the  Linnaean 
system,  both  as  respects  the  classes  and  orders.  Thus  if  a 
flower  has  only  one  stamen,  and  one  pistil,  it  belongs  to  CLASS 

1,  Monandria,  and  ORDER  1,  Monogynia.     If  it  has  one  sta- 
men and  two  pistils,  it  belongs  to  CLASS  1,  Monandria,  ORDER 

2,  Digynia.     If  it  has  two  stamens,  it  belongs  to  class  2,  Di- 
andria,  its  order  being  Monogynia,  Digynia,  or  Trigynia,  as 
it  has  one,  two  or  three  pistils. 

Having  ascertained  the  class  and  order  of  a  plant,  its  ge- 
nus is  the  next  subject  of  inquiry.  A  genus  comprehends 
one  or  more  species.  When  a  genus  has  only  one  species, 
the  generic  description  is  the  description  of  that  genus.  But 
when  the  genus  includes  many  species,  then  the  generic  de- 
scription is  founded  on  such  parts  of  the  species  as  agree 
with  each  other.  All  generic  descriptions,  or  essential  char- 
acters, are  founded  on  the  flower  or  parts  of  fructification. 
These  descriptions  are  made  as  concise  and  expressive  as 
possible,  so  that  in  three  or  four  lines  a  genus  may  not  only 
be  completely  described,  so  as  to  be  identified,  but  also  es- 
sentially distinguished  from  all  other  genera. 

In  botanical  works,  the  large  genera  are  usually  separated 
into  families  consisting  of  species,  which,  in  addition  to  their 

What  ia  the  foundation  of  the  orders  of  the  first  thirteen  classes  ? 
What  is  the  name  of  the  first  order  in  each  of  the  first  thirteen  classes  ? 
What  are  the  names  of  the  second  and  third  orders  ?  If  a  plant  has  one 
stamen  and  one  pistil,  to  what  class  and  order  does  it  belong  ?  Having 
ascertained  the  class  and  order  of  a  plant,  what  is  the  next  inquiry  of  the 
botanist  ? 

9* 


t  V    *  v  v*  •  * 

102  CLASSIFICATION    OF    PLANTS. 

general  agreement,  with  the  characters  of  the  genus,  possess 
certain  peculiarities  in  which  they  agree  among  themselves. 
In  describing  plants,  all  that  is  said  of  the  classes  and  orders 
to  which  they  belong,  is  merely  to  mention  their  names,  it 
being  understood  that  the  reader  will  comprehend  by  the  word 
Monandria,  for  instance,  that  the  plant  has  one  stamen,  and 
by  Monogynia,  that  it  has  one  pistil,  &c.  The  genus  Viola, 
(or  Violet,)  for  instance,  is  thus  described.  It  falls  under 
class  5,  Pentandria,  and  order  1,  Monogynia.  Its  division 
under  this  class  and  order  is  thus  characterized  :  Flower  poly- 
petalous,  inferior,  seeds  in  a  capsule.  Then  follows  the  gene- 
ric description,  or  the  terms  which  express  the  essential 
characters  of  this  genus,  viz.,  sepals  5,  petals  5,  irregular, 
connate  behind,  anthers  adhering  by  a  membrane  at  the  end,  or 
distinct,  capsules  3-valved,  \-seeded. 

By  this  scientific  arrangement,  the  botanist  instantly  knows 
that  all  violets  have  five  stamens,  because  it  belongs  to  the 
class  Pentandria,  which  word,  being  derived  from  pente,  five, 
and  aner,  a  stamen,  signifies  this  number.  And  because  it  is 
arranged  under  the  order  Monogynia,  he  knows  also  that  it 
has  only  one  pistil.  The  division  of  the  order  under  which 
Viola  is  placed,  shows  that  its  flower  is  composed  of  many 
petals,  this  being  the  meaning  of  the  word  polypctalous,  and 
by  the  term  inferior,  it  is  shown  that  the  corolla  is  situated  be- 
low the  germen.  By  the  phrase  "  seeds  in  a  capsule,"  it  is 
merely  understood  that  the  seeds  of  the  Violet  are  contained 
in  that  kind  of  pericarp  which  becomes  dry,  and  opens  by 
valves. 

The  pupil  will  observe  that  all  this  is  indicated  merely  by 
the  situation  or  place  which  the  genus  Viola  occupies  in  the 
systematic  arrangement,  and  hence,  he  will,  it  is  hoped,  be- 
come, in  some  degree,  sensible  of  the  advantages  of  method 
in  the  study  of  nature. 

The  generic  description  is  easily  understood.  Sepals,  it 
will  be  remembered,  are  the  leaves  of  the  calyx,  and  petals 
the  divisions  of  the  corolla.  The  corolla  is  called  irregular, 
because  the  petals  are  unequal  in  size,  or  not  symmetrical, 
and  one  of  them  also  ends  in  an  appendage  or  horn  behind  ; 
connate  means  joined,  and  refers  to  the  connected  appearance 

Does  a  genus  include  one  or  several  species  ?  On  what  parts  of  the 
plant  ar*>  the  generic  descriptions  founded  ?  Why  does  the  Violet  belong 
to  the  class  Pentandria  and  order  Monogynia  ?  Why  is  it  called  polype- 
talous,  and  irregular  ?  What  is  meant  by  connate  ? 


EXAMINATION    OF    FLOWERS.  103 

of  the  petals.     The  other  terms  of  the  description  need  no 
explanation. 

The  genus  Viola  includes  a  large  number  of  species,  which 
all  agree  in  the  above  essential  characters.  These  species 
are  distinguished  from  each  other,  chiefly  by  the  different 
forms  of  their  leaves;  or  by  some  other  circumstance,  as  for- 
merly explained.  Thus  there  is  the  Viola  odora,  or  sweet 
Violet,  because  its  odor  is  pleasant ;  the  Viola  dentata,  or 
toothed  Violet,  so  called,  because  its  leaves  are  dentated,  or 
toothed  on  the  margin,  &c. 

The  description  of  the  species,  except  where  there  are 
varieties,  applies  directly  to  each  individual  plant,  and  is  sup- 
posed to  be  so  accurate  and  discriminating,  as  to  leave  no 
doubt  of  its  identity.  In  the  specific  descriptions,  nothing  is 
said  concerning  those  parts  which  indicate  its  place  in  the 
system.  Thus  the  number  of  pistils  and  stamens,  the  form 
of  the  corolla  and  calyx,  the  kind  of  pericarp,  and  all  other 
necessary  circumstances  concerning  the  flower  and  fruit  are 
implied,  either  by  its  place  of  arrangement,  or  by  the  terms 
in  which  the  genus  is  described.  The  specific  description, 
therefore,  applies  only  to  such  parts  of  the  plant  as  servo 
merely  to  distinguish  one  individual  belonging  to  the  same 
genus,  from  another.  Without  a  consideration  of  these  cir 
cumstances,  the  pupil  will  often  be  surprised  to  find  in  bo 
tanical  works,  that  the  description  of  a  species  is  contained 
in  six  or  eight  words  only.  Thus  the  species  Viola  pedata, 
or  bird's-foot  violet,  is  described  by  Linnaeus  in  five  words, 
' * stemless,  leaves pedate,  seven-parted" 


EXAMINATION  OF  FLOWERS. 

To  find  the  name  of  an  unknown  plant,  it  is  necessary  to 
determine  its  place  in  the  Linnaean  System.  This  often  re- 
quires a  very  close  examination  of  all  parts  of  the  flower, 
and  in  many  instances  the  addition  of  a  good  lens,  together 
with  the  closest  inspection  of  many  specimens  With  all 
these  helps,  the  Botanist,  without  much  practice,  will  some- 
times find  himself  mistaken. 

Tender,    caducous    flowers   should   be    examined    while 

What  is  understood  by  "  seeds  in  a  capsule  ?"  How  are  the  species  of 
he  genus  viola  distinguished  ? 


104  EXAMINATION    OF    FLOWERb. 

growing,  or  immediately  after  they  are  plucked,  otherwise 
their  parts  will  become  indistinct  by  withering,  an<j  occasion 
additional  perplexity.  Small  flowers  should  be  examined  by 
means  of  a  lens. 

1.  In  the  first  ten  classes,  the  parts  which  claim  the  prin' 
cipal  attention  are  the  stamens  and  pistils,  and  here  to  deter- 
mine the  class  and  order,  little  or  nothing  more  is  required 
than  to  ascertain  the  number  of  these  parts.     Thus,  if  the 
flower  has  rive  stamens,  it  belongs  to  PENTANDRIA,  and  if  it 
has  only  a  single   style,  it  belongs  to  the  order  MONOGY- 
NIA,  &c. 

2.  In  the  examination  of  the  calyx  and  corolla,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  determining  the  genus,  much  caution  is  necessary 
lest  the  number  of  divisions  in  the  first,  should  be  mistaken 
for  the  number  of  sepals,  and  those  of  the  second  for  the 
number  of  petals.     In  the  first  place,  examine  the  corolla  by 
pulling  off  each  petal,  or  division  separately.     If  it  is  found 
that  they  cohere,  or  grow  together  at  the  base,  the  corolla  is 
monopetalous,  and  the  petals  instead  of  being  distinct  parts, 
as  in  a  polypetalous  corolla,  are  merely  deep  divisions.     The 
flower  of  the  Iris,  for  example,  might  easily  be  mistaken  for 
a  corolla  with  six  petals.     See  p.  60,  and  Fig.  115. 

3.  The  corolla  being  examined  and  removed,  the  calyx, 
if  deeply  divided,  should  be  inspected  in  the  same  manner. 
Every  calyx,  the  leaves  or  sepals  of  which  are  joined  at  the 
base,  is  monophyllous  or  single  leaved,  however  deeply  it  may 
be  divided.     In  the  Violet,  for  example,  the  calyx  consists  of 
five  sepals,  each  of  which  may  be  removed  separately,  and 
without  disturbing  the  others.     In  the  Rose  and  Apple,  the 
<  alyx  is  five  cleft,  the  division  all  being  united  at  the  base. 
]n  the  Violet,  therefore,  the  calyx  is  polyphyllous,  or  polyse- 
palous.     In  the  Rose,  it  is  monosepalous. 

4.  In  many  flowers  the  stigmas  are  so  elongated,  or  deeply 
cleft,  as  easily  to  be  mistaken  for  styles.     It  is  necessary, 
therefore,  in    the    examination  of  these   parts,  to   ascertain 
whether  they  unite  below,  in  which  case  only  one  style  is  to 
be  counted.     The  Iris  has  three  petaloid  stigmas,  but  only  a 
single  style. 

5.  In  many  of  the  classes,  particularly  in  the  fifth,  sixth, 
and  tenth,  the  genera  are  often  in  part  distinguished  by  the 
superior  or  inferior  situation  of  the  calyx,  or  corolla,  or  of 
both.     Sometimes,  also,  these  parts  are  half  superior.    These 
points  are  easily  determined.     When  the  calyx,  or  corolla 


EXAMINATION  OF  FLOWERS.  105 

is  situated  below  the  ovarium,  or  germen,  or  includes  this 
part  within  its  whorl,  then  the  calyx,  or  corolla,  is  inferior 
Ex.  Lily,  Pink. 

When  the  calyx,  or  corolla,  is  placed  on  the  ovarium,  and 
does  not  include  it,  then  it  is  superior.  Ex.  Apple,  Hydran- 
gea. 

When  the  ovarium  is  partly  above  and  partly  below  tho 
corolla,  or  calyx,  then  these  parts  are  half  superior,  or  half 
inferior. 

6.  In  the   examination  of  flowers,   containing  many   sta- 
mens, it  is  required  to  ascertain  whether  these  parts  are  sit- 
uated on  the  calyx,  or  not.     If  there  are  many  stamens,  that 
is,  more  than  twenty,  inserted  on  the  calyx,  the  plant  falls  un- 
der the  class  ICOSANDRIA  ;  but  if  these  parts  are  fixed  under 
the  ovarium,  and  on  the  part  sometimes  called  the  receptacle, 
it  comes  within  the  class  POLYANDRIA. 

7.  If  the  flower  has  four  stamens,  two  of  which  are  longer 
than  the  others,  it  belongs  to  the  class  DIDYNAMIA.     Plants 
of  this  description  form  the  natural  order  called  the  Labiates, 
or  Mint  tribe.     The  flowers  often  grow  in  whorls,   and  are 
readily  known  by  their  labiate,  gaping,  corollas.     See  Fig. 
113. 

8.  If  the  flower  has  six  stamens,  two  of  which  are  dis- 
tinctly shorter  than  the  others,  it  falls  within  the  class  TET- 
RADYNAMIA.     Plants  of  this  description,  form  the  natural  or- 
der Crucifera,  or  cruciform  plants,  so  called,  because  their 
petals,  being  only  four  in  number,  are  so  placed  as  to  make 
the  figure   of  the  cross.     Cabbage  and  Mustard,  are  exam- 
ples.    See  Fig.  117. 

9.  It  is  generally  easy  to  decide  whether  the  filaments 
are  separate  at  the  base,  or  united.     In  the  first  ten  classes, 
these   parts  are  distinct  throughout.     If  they  are  united  to- 
gether in  any  part  of  their  length,  or  at  the  base,  then  the 
plant  falls  under  some  class  not  yet  mentioned.     If  the  union 
is  in  one  parcel,  the  flower  is  MONADELPHOUS.     Ex.  Gera- 
nium, Mallows.     If  the  stamens  have  their  filaments  collected 
into  two  parcels,  however  unequal  in  number,  the  flower  is 
DIADELPHOUS.     In  the  Pea,  for  example,  there  are  ten  sta- 
mens, nine  of  which  are  in  one  set,  and  one  in  the  other. 

In  a  few  instances  the  filaments  are  united  into  more  than 
two  parcels,  in  which  case  the  plant  falls  within  the  class 
POLYDELPHIA.  Ex.  Hypericum. 


106  EXAMINATION    OF    FLOWERS. 

1 0.  In  tne  examination  of  the  compound  flowers,  the  be- 
ginner may  find   some  difficulty  in  distinguishing  the  parts 
from  each  other,  in  such  a  manner  as  to  satisfy  himself  con- 
cerning the  orders.     But  the  mode  of  examination  is  so  sim- 
ple as  hardly  to  require  any  directions,  since  most  that  is  re- 
quired, is  to  distinguish  the  stamens  from  the  pistils,  the  disk 
from  the  ray,  and  the  tubular  from  the  ligulate  florets.      With 
respect  to  distinguishing  the  genera,  there  is  more  difficulty, 
since  it  requires  considerable  practice  to  decide,  when  the 
involucre  is  oblong,  or  conical,  ventricose,  or  globose,  ovate,  or 
cylindrical ;    or  when  the  receptacle  is  palaceous  or  villous, 
&c.  and  to  point  out  the  difference  of  the  species  from  each 
other,  as  indicated  by  these  terms.     Nor  is  there  any  means 
by  which  this  kind  of  knowledge  can  be  obtained  except  by 
actual  practice. 

11.  In  the  class  GYNANDRIA,  the  flowers  are  so  peculiar, 
that  the  pupil  after  having  examined  a  few  specimens,  will 
in  general,  be  able  to  refer  the  others  to  their  proper  places. 
Nearly  all  the  plants  of  this  class  belong  to  ORDER   1st. 
The  stamens,  instead  of  being  situated  around  the  ovarium, 
or  style,  as  in  other  classes,  are  in  this,  situated  on  the  style 
itself.     Nor  do  they  resemble  these  parts  in  other  plants,  but 
consist  of  solitary,  fleshy,  undivided  processes,  or  masses, 
which  appear  more  like  the  nectaries  of  other  plants,  than 
like  the  organs  of  re-production. 

12.  In  the  class  MONCECIA,  where  the  stamens  and  pistils 
reside  in  different  flowers,  the  difference  between  them  is 
often  quite  obvious.     The  pupil,  on  gathering  several  flowers 
of  this  class,  from  the  same  plant,  and  comparing  them  with 
the  descriptions  of  genera,  will  soon  learn  to  distinguish  the 
barren  from  the  fertile  flowers. 

13.  With  respect  to  the  class  DICECIA,  there  is  often  very 
little  difference  in  the  appearance  of  the  barren  and   fruitful 
aments,  except  the  presence  of  the  pollen.     On  examination, 
however,  with  the  assistance   of  Botanical  descriptions,  the 
pupil  will  soon  be  enabled  to  distinguish  the  stameniferous, 
from  the  pistiliferous  trees,   and  the  satisfaction  of  doing  so, 
will  amply  repay  him  for  his  labor,  since  this  class  contains 
some  of  the  most  lofty,  and  noble  plants  in  the  vegetable 
kingdom. 


MONANDRIA.  107 

Having  made  these  explanations,  it  is  hoped  that  the  pupil 
will  be  enabled  readily  to  understand  the  illustrations  of  the 
classes,  and  orders,  which  are  now  immediately  to  follow. 

CLASS  I.— MONANDRIA.     Stamens  I.      Orders  2. 

(The  cuts  which  illustrate  the  first  ten  classes,  con-       Fig.  A. 
tain,  not  only  the  number  of  stamens  by  which  each 
class  is  characterized,  but  also  one  pistil  each,  so  that 
the  same  cut  illustrates  the  first  order  in  every  class. 
The  stamen  is  marked  a,  and  the  pistil  b.) 

Monandria  is  not  a  large  class,  though  it  contains 
some  plants  of  considerable  value. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.  1  Stamen.  1  Style. 
"  To  this  class  and  order,  belong  the  natural  tribe  called 
ScitaminecB,  or  the  Ginger  tribe,  and  which  is  considered  one 
of  the  most  beautiful  families  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.  The 
useful  productions,  are  the  Ginger,  Cardamon,  and  Turmeric, 
spices  which  are  highly  esteemed,  and  in  general  use.  The 
Salicornia,  or  Saltwort,  also  belongs  here,  and  is  abundant  on 
the  sea-shores  of  New  England. 

GENUS  Zinziber.  Ginger.  Its  name  is  from  the  original 
Indian  appellation.  The  root,  which  is  very  extensively  em- 
ployed in  medicine,  and  as  a  spice,  comes  from  the  broad  and 
narrow  leaved  species.  These  roots  are  prepared  by  being 
taken  up  when  the  stalks  fade,  and  after  being  washed  and 
scalded,  are  afterwards  dried  in  the  sun.  This  forms  the 
black  ginger.  The  white  kind  is  not  scalded,  but  only  dried 
in  the  sun. 

When  the  root  is  to  be  preserved  in  syrup,  it  is  taken  up 
and  scalded  before  it  is  fully  grown,  and  after  being  steeped 
and  washed  in  water,  it  is  put  into  jars  and  covered  with  a 
thin  syrup — (Brown's  Jamaica.}  This  root  comes  chiefly 
from  the  West  Indies. 

GENUS  Curcuma.  Turmeric.  The  name  Curcuma  is 
from  the  Arabic  kurkum,  or  kercum.  The  part  employed  is 
the  root,  which  is  of  a  yellow  color,  and  was  formerly  much 
used  in  cookery,  to  give  a  tinge  to  various  dishes.  There  are 
a  number  of  species  belonging  to  this  genus.  That  which  is 
best  known  in  this  country  is  the  long  rooted  Turmeric,  and 
is  used  for  coloring,  and  in  medicine.  The  roots  of  some 

How  many  stamens  and  styles,  or  pistils,  has  a  plant  belonging  to  Mo* 
nandria,  Monogynia  ?  What  valuable  plants  are  contained  in  this  class  ? 
In  what  class  and  order  does  the  ginger  plant  belong  ?  What  is  tho  use 
of  turmeric7 


108 

species  yield  a  starch,  which,  in  some  parts  of  the   East  In 
dius  is  much  used  as  food. 

GENUS  Salicornia.  Saltwort.  The  name  comes  from  sal, 
salt,  and  cornu,  a  horn.  It  is  a  plant  without  leaves,  which 
grows  abundantly  on  the  sea  coasts  of  some  countries.  The/e 
are  several  species,  most  of  which  are  gathered  and  burned 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  soda.  One  species  is  pickled 
for  culinary  purposes,  like  samphire,  and  hence  this  plant  has 
been  called  marsh  samphire.  But  the  true  samphire,  Crith- 
mum,  is  an  umbelliferous  plant  of  Europe,  where  it  grows  in 
inaccessible  places  among  the  rocks.  Those  who  gather  it 
are  sometimes  obliged  to  be  let  down  in  baskets,  and  it  is  in 
allusion  to  this  circumstance,  that  Shakspeare  says, 

"  Half  way  down 
Hangs  one  that  gathers  samphire,  dreadful  trade  !" 

The  Salicornia  herbacea  is  found  in  various  sea-coast  pla- 
ces in  this  country. 

ORDER  II. — DIGYNIA.     Stamen  1.     Styles  2. 

This  order  contains  no  plants  of  any  note  or  value.  The 
little  aquatic  plant  called  water  start-wort,  ( Callitriche,)  is 
found  in  many  places  about  our  brooks,  and  belongs  to  this 
class  and  order.  This  is  also  the  place  of  the  Elite,  (Bli- 
tum,)  the  heads  of  which  stain  the  fingers,  and  were  formerly 
used  by  English  cooks  to  give  their  puddings  a  yellow  tinge. 

CLASS  II.— DIANDRIA.     Stamens  2.     Orders  3. 

This  class  is  not  extensive,  though  it  con- 
tains several  genera  of  much  importance,  and 
some  elegant  and  fragrant  plants.  The  most 
useful  of  the  class  are  the  Pepper  and  the  Olive. 
Sage  and  Rosemary  also  belong  here,  articles 
well  known  in  cookery.  The  Syringa  and 
Privet,  are  likewise  esteemed  as  elegant  flow- 
ering plants. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.     Stamens  2.     Style  1. 

GENUS  Olea,  the  Olive.  The  name  is  said  to  come  from 
the  Celtic  word  olew,  oil.  The  full  grown  Olive  tree  is 
about  thirty  feet  in  height,  and  is  branchy,  smooth,  and  ever- 

In  what  situation  does  the  salicornia  grow  ?  How  many  stamens  has 
the  class  Diandria  ?  How  many  orders  has  this  class  ?  What  important 
plarts  belong  to  the  second  class  ? 


DIANDRIA.  109 

green.  The  genus  contains  a  number  of  species,  some  of 
which  are  of  little  or  no  use.  That  which  affords  the  pickle 
and  oil,  is  known  by  the  name  of  the  Long-leaved  Olive. 
Both  the  pickles  and  oil  come  chiefly  from  Languedoc,  Leg- 
horn and  Naples.  The  best  pickles  are  however  said  to  come 
from  Genoa,  and  Marseilles.  The  longevity  of  the  Olive  is 
so  great,  that  some  plantations  in  Italy  are  said  to  have  ex- 
isted ever  since  the  time  of  Pliny,  that  is,  1800  years.  Ol- 
ive oil  is  prepared  by  crushing  the  fruit  to  a  paste,  then  press- 
ing it  through  a  woollen  bag,  adding  hot  water  as  long  as  any 
oil  is  produced.  The  oil  is  then  skimmed  off  the  water  and 
put  up  for  sale. 

Pickled  Olives  are  prepared  from  unripe  fruit,  by  repeat- 
edly steeping  them  in  water,  to  which  quicklime  is  added,  by 
which  the  process  is  shortened.  Afterwards  they  are  soaked 
in  pure  water,  and  then  put  into  bottles  with  salt  and  water , 
with  or  without  aromatics,  and  are  then  ready  for  sale.  The 
Olive  tree  is  propagated  by  large  suckers  or  cuttings,  placed 
in  deep  trenches. 

GENUS  Rosmarinus.  Rosemary.  Rosmarinus  comes  from 
two  Latin  words,  and  signifies  the  dew  of  the  sea. 

The  plant  is  a  perennial,  labiate  shrub,  with  the  flowers 
growing  in  clusters  around  the  stalk.  The  common  kind 
yields  a  large  quantity  of  fragrant  oil,  by  distillation,  which 
is  well  known  under  the  name  of  the  oil  of  Rosemary.  In 
the  language  of  flowers,  Rosemary  signifies  repentance.  It 
was,  however,  formerly  considered  as  an  emblem  of  fidelity 
in  lovers.  It  was  also  worn  at  weddings  and  funerals,  and  is 
said  still  to  be  used  in  Wales  on  the  latter  occasions,  and  dis- 
tributed among  those  who  attend. 

GENUS  Salvia.  Sage.  The  name  of  the  genus  comes 
from  the  Latin  salvere,  to  save,  on  account  of  its  supposed 
healing  qualities.  Botanists  enumerate  about  120  species, 
and  several  varieties  of  this  genus.  The  plants  are  chiefly 
herbs  and  under  shrubs,  some  of  which  are  perennial,  others 
biennial,  and  others  annual.  The  leaves  are  generally  ru- 
gose, or  wrinkled,  the  smell  aromatic,  and  the  flowers  in 
spikes.  All  the  genus  are  easily  cultivated,  and  the  species 
so  much  resemble  each  other  as  to  form  one  of  the  most 
natural  tribes  known  to  Botanists.  The  Garden  Sage,  (Sal- 

What  is  said  of  the  longevity  of  the  olive  tree  ?     Whence  comes  the 
name" of  sage  ?     How  many  species  of  sage  are  enumerated  ? 
10 


110  DIANDR1A. 


is  the  species  best  known  in  this  country 
there  are  several  varieties,  which  differ  in  the  size 
and  form  of  the  leaf.  The  Sage  is  a  labiate  plant,  having 
but  two  stamens.  In  this  respect  it  differs  from  most  labiate 
flowers,  which  generally  have  four  stamens,  two  long  and 
two  short,  as  will  be  seen  when  we  come  to  the  class  Didy- 
namia. 

GENUS  Syringa.  Lilac.  Syringa  is  said  to  be  derived 
from  a  Turkish  word  signifying  pipe,  because  the  stems  of 
their  finest  pipes  are  made  of  the  roots  of  one  of  this  species. 
Lilac  is  a  Persian  word,  signifying  flower.  All  the  species 
are  deciduous  shrubs,  which  bear  beautiful,  or  sweet  scented 
flowers.  They  are  readily  cultivated  by  suckers  or  roots. 

GENUS  Catalpa.  This  fine  ornamental  tree  is  a  native  ol 
America  and  India.  Catalpa  is  its  native  Indian  name.  Its 
leaves  are  large,  and  its  profusion  of  white  flowers  gives  it 
a  striking  appearance  when  in  full  bloom.  In  temperate  cli- 
mates, the  flowers  are  succeeded  by  long  pods,  but  in  very 
cold  climates,  these  do  not  appear. 

ORDER  II.  —  DIGYNIA.     Stamens  2.     Styles  2. 

GENUS  Anthoxanthum.  Spring-  Grass.  The  name  of  the 
genus  means  yellow  flower,  the  spikes  being  yellow.  It  is 
this  grass  which  gives  the  peculiar  sweet  and  delightful 
smell  which  we  all  so  much  admire  in  the  new  mown,  dry- 
ing hay.  It  is  one  of  the  earliest  flowering  grasses,  grows 
about  a  foot  high,  has  short,  flat  leaves,  and  solitary  terminal 
spikes. 

ORDER  III.  —  TRIGYNIA.  Stamens  2.  Styles  3. 
GENUS  Piper.  Pepper.  Piper  appears  to  come  from  pip- 
pul,  the  Bengalese  name  for  the  long  pepper.  Of  this  genus 
there  are  nearly  sixty  species.  This  plant  is  singular,  as  it 
has  neither  calyx,  nor  corolla.  The  fruit  is  borne  on  a  spa- 
dix,  which  is  simple,  slender,  and  covered  with  flower-bear- 
ing scales.  The  leaves  are  large,  generally  on  short  peti- 
oles, in  some  of  the  species  cordate,  in  others  lanceolate,  and 
in  others  ovate.  Most  of  the  plants  are  perennial  herbs,  but 
some  of  them  are  scandent,  or  climbing,  as  is  the  case  with 
the  black  pepper,  the  species  that  furnishes  the  spice  in  com- 

What  is  said  of  the  natural  affinity  of  the  different  species  of  sage  ? 
What  does  the  word  lilac  signify  ?  What  is  the  class  and  order  of  tho 
plant  which  bears  black  pepper  ? 


TRIANDRIA. 


Ill 


mon  use  at  our  tables.  This  plant  (Fig.  155,)  Fis- 155- 
has  abroad,  ovate,  acuminate,  seven  nerved  leaf. 
It  climbs  on  any  rough  barked  tree,  to  which  it 
attaches  itself  in  a  manner  similar  to  our  false 
grape,  or  five  leaved  ivy,  (Ampelopsis.)  The  fruit 
hangs  in  clusters  as  represented  by  the  figure. 
On  the  pepper  farms  in  the  East,  these  plants 
are  raised  by  placing  two  or  three  cuttings  of 
pepper  vines  in  the  ground,  six  or  eight  feet 
apart ;  after  which,  high  stakes  are  driven  down 
for  them  to  climb  upon.  In  Sumatra  quick 
growing  trees  are  planted  for  this  purpose.  In 
three  years  these  shoots  bear,  the  berries  being 
ripe,  and  of  a  blood  red  color  in  September. 
The  plants  are  then  cut  down  to  the  ground, 
the  berries  gathered  and  dried  in  the  sun.  The  roots  then 
send  out  new  shoots,  which  in  three  or  four  years  more  pro- 
duce another  crop. 

There  are  two  kinds  of  pepper  in  the  shops,  the  black  and 
the  white.  The  black  is  the  hottest,  and  is  the  dried  berry 
in  its  natural  state.  The  white  is  the  same  berry  steeped  in 
water,  and  thus  deprived  of  its  skin. 

CLASS  III.— TRIANDRIA.      Stamens  3.     Orders  3. 

This  class  is  larger  than  either  of  the 
preceding.  It  contains  the  Club-rushes 
and  most  of  the  Grasses,  the  Irises,  and 
many  other  common,  and  well  known 
genera.  The  Grasses,  it  is  well  known, 
contribute  more  extensively  to  the  sup- 
port of  domestic  animals  than  any  other  order  of  plants. 
They  are,  therefore,  a  highly  interesting  tribe  to  the  practical 
farmer  and  grazier,  but  possess  few  qualifications  to  attract 
the  notice  of  the  florist.  The  Club-rushes,  which  are  also  a 
numerous  tribe,  have  in  general  still  fewer  attractions.  These 
are  ordinarily  confounded  with  the  Grasses,  to  which  they 
have  a  general  resemblance.  But  the  Club-rushes,  01 
sedges,  have  solid  angular  stalks,  while  the  culms  of  the 
Grasses  are  round  and  hollow.  The  grasses  contain  large 
quantities  of  sugar  and  other  nutritive  matter,  while,  the  Club- 
Describe  the  mode  of  raising  and  curing  black  pepper  in  the  East.  How 
many  stamens  has  the  class  Triandria  ?  What  tribes  of  important  plants 
does  it  contain  ?  What  is  the  difference  in  the  composition  of  the  grasses 
ana  the  club-rushes? 


112  TRIANDRIA 

rushes  are  chiefly  barren  of  nutriment,  and  hence  are  seldom 
preserved  for  fodder,  and  if  preserved  are  seldom  eateu. 
The  Iris  is  a  numerous  and  beautiful  genus,  besides  which, 
the  first  order  of  this  class  contains  the  Valerian,  Crocus  ^  and 
Papyrus,  all  of  which  are  interesting  on  different  accounts. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.     Stamens  3.     Style  1. 

GENUS  Valeriana.  Valerian.  Linnaeus  derives  its  name 
from  king  Valerius.  This  genus  has  a  considerable  number 
of  species  The  plants  are  perennial  herbs,  from  one  to  three 
feet  high,  and  bear  their  flowers  in  corymbs  or  panicles. 
One  species  only  is  worthy  of  notice.  This  is  the  great 
Wild  Valerian,  (Valeriana  qfficinalis.)  The  root  of  this  has 
a  strong  aromatic  smell,  and  is  a  well  known  remedy  in  hys- 
terical cases. 

GENUS. — Crocus.  This  is  an  ancient  name,  being  derived 
from  the  youth  Crocus,  who,  as  the  heathen  poets  feigned, 
was  turned  into  this  flower.  The  genus  is  among  the  most 
ornamental  of  garden  flowers,  and  some  of  the  species  are 
particular  favorites  on  account  of  their  early  flowering,  as  well 
as  their  beauty.  The  useful  species  is  the  Saffron  of  apothe- 
caries, ( Crocus  sativus,]  which,  as  a  medicine,  and  a  coloring 
drug,  is  well  known.  This  differs  widely  in  its  habits  from 
most  of  the  other  species.  The  Spring  Crocus,  (Crocus  ver- 
nus,)  sometimes  appears  in  full  bloom  in  the  beginning  oi 
April,  while  the  Saffron  does  not  flower  until  September  or 
October.  The  Spring  Crocus  is  commonly  propagated  by 
its  bulbous  roots,  but  its  varieties  may  be  increased  at  pleas- 
ure by  sowing  its  seeds. 

GENUS  Iris.  This  name  signifies  rainbow,  so  called  on 
account  of  its  variety  of  colors,  and  is  the  same  by  which  it 
was  known  by  Pliny,  near  two  thousand  years  ago.  It  is 
known  in  this  country  under  the  name  of  Flower-de-luce. 
The  genus  is  distinguished  by  having  a  six  parted  flower, 
every  other  division  of  which,  is  reflected,  or  rolled  backward, 
the  stigma  being  shaped  like  petals.  The  genus  presents 
sixty  or  seventy  species,  some  of  which  are  found  in  almost 
every  country.  They  differ  in  size  and  appearance  greatly, 
some  being  two  or  three  feet  high,  while  others  are  only  as 
many  inches.  They  are  most  of  them  perennial  herbaceous 

Whence  does  valerian  derive  its  name  1  Whence  does  crocus  derive 
its  name  ?  How  may  this  plant  be  propagated  ?  What  does  the  name 
Iris  signify  ?  and  why  is  the  genus  so  called  ? 


TRIANDRIA.  113 

plants,  many  of  which  have  bulbous  roots,  and  are  easily 
propagated  either  by  the  roots  or  seed.  In  this  country,  \v« 
have  several  indigenous  species,  one  of  which  forms  the 
chief  ornament  of  our  meadows  and  low  grounds,  and  is  gene- 
rally known  under  the  name  of  Blue-flag  or  Flower-de-luce. 

GENUS  Papyrus.  A  word  of  obscure  origin.  The  ancient 
Papyrus  (Papyrus  antiquorum,)  is  a  grassy,  aquatic  plant, 
which  grows  about  ten  feet  high.  The  top  spreads  into  a 
kind  of  umbel,  composed  of  many  long,  narrow  leaves.  The 
lower  part  of  the  stalk  is  surrounded  with  long  sword  shaped 
leaves.  This  is  the  plant  from  which  the  celebrated  Papy- 
rus of  the  Egyptians  and  other  ancient  nations,  was  obtained 
Between  the  flesh  and  bark  of  the  thick  part  of  the  stalk, 
there  grows  a  membrane,  which  being  stripped  off  in  the 
form  of  narrow  pieces,  or  ribbons,  was  united  into  sheets  by 
pressure,  and  then  dried  in  the  sun.  Many  such  sheets  made 
the  rolls  on  which  the  ancient  manuscripts  were  written. 
The  plant  is  indigenous  in  the  swamps  of  Egypt  and  Ethio- 
pia, and  in  England  has  been  cultivated  in  cisterns  of  water, 
with  rich  mud  at  the  bottom. 

ORDER  II. — DIGYNIA.     Stamens  3.     Styles  2. 

GENUS  Avena.  The  Oat.  The  common  Oat  is  a  well 
known  grain  which,  in  this  country,  is  raised  only  as  the  food 
of  horses.  In  some  parts  of  Europe,  it  however  forms  a 
portion  of  the  bread  of  the  poor.  It  grows  best  in  cold  cli 
mates.  The  Wild  Oat,  called  also  the  hygrometic  Oat, 
(Avena  steriUs,)  has  already  been  described  as  a  curiosity, 
on  account  of  its  twisting  and  untwisting  as  it  is  exposed  to 
dryness  or  moisture.  This  grows  wild  in  most  parts  of 
North  America. 

GENUS  Triticum.  Wheat.  Triticum  is  said  to  come  from 
tritum,  triture,  which  signifies  to  wear  down,  or  reduce  to 
powder  in  a  mortar,  this  being  the  original  mode  of  converting 
Wheat  into  flour.  There  are,  at  least,  fifteen  species  of 
Wheat,  and  perhaps  many  more.  There  are  also  several 
varieties  of  the  common  Wheat,  some  of  which  are  preferred 
in  one  country,  and  some  in  another.  This  grain  is  almost 
every  where  cultivated,  both  in  the  temperate  and  torrid 
zones.  It  grows  well  on  plains  to  the  45th  degree  of  north 

What  is  said  of  the  papyrus,  and  the  mode  of  forming  the  rolls,  on 
which  ancient  manuscripts  were  written  ?  From  what  circumstar.ee  does 
triticum  derive  its  name  ? 

10* 


114  TRIANDRIA. 

latitude,  and  in  southern  latitudes  it  is  raised  2000  feet  above 
the  level  of  the  sea.  The  same  weight  of  Wheat  yields  a 
greater  quantity  of  flour  than  any  other  grain.  It  is  also 
more  nutritious  than  any  other  flour.  The  straw  of  Wheat  is 
manufactured  into  hats  and  bonnets.  It  is  said  that  the  best 
straw  for  these  purposes  grows  on  dry,  chalky  lands.  Leg- 
horn hats  are  made  from  the  straw  of  a  bearded  variety  of 
Wheat  which  resembles  Rye. 

Fig.  156. 

GENUS  Saccharum,  Fig.  156,  Su- 
gar Cane.  Name  from  the  Greek 
sakkar,  which  is  said  to  come  from 
the  Arabic  soukar. 

The  character  of  the  genus  is, 
glume,  two-valved,  two-flowered, 
enveloped  in  long  wool,  flowers  in 
a  panicle,  leaves  flat.  The  stem  of 
the  Sugar  Cane  is  a  culm,  so  that 
with  Wheat,  Rye,  Barley,  &c.,  it 
is  one  of  the  grasses.  The  Sugar 
Cane  was  unknown  to  the  ancients,  though  of  such  vast  im- 
portance in  modern  times.  There  are  many  varieties  of  this 
genus,  both  wild  and  cultivated,  which  grow  in  various  parts 
of  the  East  Indies  The  species  called  the  Common  Sugar 
Cane,  is  that  which  is  cultivated  for  the  extraction  of  sugar. 
The  first  distinct  account  of  this  plant  appears  to  be  about 
the  middle  of  the  12th  century,  just  prior  to  which,  the  Vene- 
tians imported  it  from  the  vicinity  of  the  Red  Sea.  Its  native 
country  is  probably  India.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  intro- 
duced into  Sicily,  Crete,  and  Rhodes,  by  the  Saracens,  as 
sugar  was  made  in  these  Islands  about  the  middle  of  the  15th 
century,  and  before  the  discovery  of  the  West  Indies.  The 
Dutch  began  to  make  sugar  on  the  island  of  St.  Thomas,  in 
1610,  and  the  English  in  Barbadoes,  1643.  Since  these 
times,  the  culture  of  the  Sugar  Cane  has  become  general  in 
nearly  all  warm  climates,  so  that  sugar  now  forms  one  of  the 
first  articles  of  commerce  all  over  the  world.  It  was  first 
used  in  England  in  about  1466,  when  it  was  offered  only  at 
feasts,  and  employed  in  medicine.  It  was  then  probably  im- 
ported from  Sicily.  In  the  West  Indies  it  is  propagated  by 

What  is  the  derivation  of  saccharum  ?  Was  sugar  known  to  the  an- 
cients, or  not  ?  What  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  native  country  of  the 
gugar  cane  1  When  and  where  is  sugar  said  to  have  been  first  manufac- 
*ured  ?  When  was  sugar  first  used  in  England  ? 


TETRANDIA.  1  I  5 

cutting  off  the  shoots  near  the  root,  which  are  inserted  in  hills 
or  trenches.  The  cuttings  take  root  at  the  joints  under 
ground,  and  in  about  12  months,  become  ten  or  twelve  feet 
high,  when  they  are  cut  down  for  the  mill.  A  plantation 
lasts  from  six  to  ten  years. 

ORDER  III. — TRIGYNIA.     Stamens  4.     Styles  3. 
This  order  contains  few  plants,  and  none  of  any  interest. 
CLASS  IV.— TETRANDIA.     Stamens  3.     Orders  3. 

Fig.  D. 

This  class  is  neither  so  important,  nor  so 
large  as  the  last.  It  is  composed  chiefly  of 
ornamental,  or  curious  shrubs,  and  is  there- 
fore interesting  to  the  young  florist.  Many  of 
the  most  important  plants  of  this  class  are 
confined  to  the  southern  hemisphere.  Among 
the  ornamental,  or  useful  genera  which  are 
generally  known,  are  the  Holly,  (Ilex,)  the  Madder,  (Rubia,) 
the  Teasel,  (Dipsacus,)  and  the  Sandal  Wood,  (Santalum.) 
The  Ixora,  and  Pavetta,  are  beautiful,  ornamental  shrubs. 
These  are.  hot-house  plants.  In  this  class  all  the  stamens  are 
of  the  same  length  ;  but  there  is  less  affinity  in  the  appear- 
ance and  qualities  of  the  species,  than  in  most  of  the  other 
classes. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.     Stamens  4.      Style  1. 

This  is  a  numerous  order,  and  contains  an  assemblage  of 
species  which  have  little  resemblance  to  each  other.  It  is 
separated  into  eight  divisions,  founded  on  the  absence  or 
presence  of  a  corolla,  the  number  of  petals  it  contains  when 
present,  its  situation,  whether  superior  or  inferior,  and  the 
number  of  seeds  contained  in  the  cells  of  the  capsules. 

GENUS  Protea.  The  name  is  derived  from  Proteus,  the 
son  of  Ocean  and  Thetis,  who  is  said  to  have  assumed  vari- 
ous forms.  It  is  so  named  in  allusion  to  the  varieties  of  form 
and  appearance  of  the  species  of  this  genus. 

The  genus  has  a  calyx,  which  is  separable  into  two  parts. 
Style,  awl-shaped.  Stigma,  narrowly  cylindrical.  Nut, 
bearded  on  all  sides.  The  plants  are  deciduous  shrubs,  from 

How  many  stamens  has  the  class  Tetrandia  ?  Of  what  kind  of  plants 
is  this  class  chiefly  composed  ?  What  is  said  of  the  order  Monogynia,  of 
this  class? 


116  TETRANDIA. 

six  inches,  to  ten  feet  in  height;  the  leaves  and  flowers  being 
of  various  forms  and  colors.  They  are  all  natives  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  but  many  of  them  have  been  introduced 
into  England,  and  cultivated  in  green-houses,  on  account  of 
their  singularity,  or  their  beauty.  They  may  be  propagated 
by  cuttings,  taken  off  at  the  joints,  and  placed  in  pots. 

To  this  genus  belongs  the  Silver  Tree,  (Protect  argentea,) 
which  is  also  found  at  the  Cape,  and  nowhere  else.  Its 
leaves  are  soft  and  rich,  with  a  surface  like  white  satin,  and 
when  thrown  into  agitation  by  a  breeze,  are  said  to  exhibit  a 
splendid  appearance.  The  Golden  Proteus  is  another  beau- 
tiful tree  of  the  same  tribe.  The  leaves  of  this  are  yellowish 
green,  edged  with  scarlet,  so  that  when  agitated  in  the  sun- 
beams, they  are  said  to  resemble  waves  of  fire. 

GENUS  Banksia.  So  named  by  Linnaeus,  in  honor  of  Sir 
Joseph  Banks,  Pres.  Royal  Society.  It  is  a  foreign  genus, 
the  species  being  found  only  in  New  Holland,  and  New 
South  Wales.  The  species  are  nearly  thirty,  and  most  of 
them  evergreen,  hot-house  plants.  The  flowers  grow  in 
heads,  or  bunches,  chiefly  at  the  tops  of  the  plants,  or  ends 
of  the  branches.  In  most  of  the  species,  their  color  is  yellow 
This  and  the  genus  Protea  are  considered  among  the  most 
beautiful  genera  known. 

GENUS  Pothos.  From  potha,  the  native  name  of  this  plant 
in  Ceylon.  Most  of  the  species  climb  up  the  trunks  of  trees, 
like  ivy,  and  grow  in  hot  climates.  The  Skunk  Cabbage, 
(Pothos  fatida,)  or  Symplocarpus  foetida,  is  a  species  of  this 
genus  which  grows  in  the  swamps  of  New  England. 

The  plant  is  repulsive  on  account  of  its  smell,  but  the 
flower  is  a  curiosity.  It  appears  in  April,  in  the  form  of  a 
boat-shaped,  inflated  spathe,  spotted  with  red  and  yellow. 
Within  the  spathe  is  an  oval  spadix  of  considerable  size, 
covered  with  flowers,  in  which  will  be  found  four  stamens, 
and  one  pistil.  After  the  flower  has  been  some  time  in  blos- 
som, large,  green,  radical  leaves  appear,  of  an  oblong,  oval 
shape.  These  continue  during  the  summer.  The  fruit  is  a 
large,  fleshy  mass  containing  many  round  seeds. 

GENUS  Dipsacus.  Teasel.  Dipsacus  is  from  the  Greek, 
and  signifies  to  thirst,  because  at  the  angle  between  the 

What  is  said  of  the  genus  Protea  ?  Whence  does  Banksia  derive  its 
name  ? 


TETRANDIA.  ]  17 

leaves  and  stalk,  there  is  a  quantity  of  water  which  people 
may  drink.  There  are  several  species  of  this  genus,  but 
that  only  which  is  useful,  is  the  Dipsacus  fullonum,  or  cloth- 
iers' Teasel.  This  is  cultivated  for  raising  a  nap  on  cloth 
The  flower  is  terminal,  and  grows  in  a  cylindrical  head,  the 
chaffs,  or  awns  of  which  are  furnished  with  hooks.  When 
these  are  drawn  along  the  cloth,  they  catch  hold  of  its  fibres, 
and  thus,  as  it  is  termed,  raise  the  nap.  The  wild  Teasel,  it 
is  said,  is  not  hooked. 

GENUS  Rubia.  Madder.  Rubia,  from  the  Latin,  ruber, 
red,  because  the  root  colors  red. 

The  species  Rubia  tinctorium,  or  Dyers'  Madder,  is  culti- 
vated as  an  article  of  commerce,  in  various  parts  of  the  world. 
It  has  a  weak  stalk  which  trails  upon  the  ground,  or  climbs 
up  some  support.  Its  roots  are  small,  but  several  feet  in 
length,  and  from  these  the  scarlet  dye  of  clothiers  is  chiefly 
made.  When  animals  feed  on  Madder,  their  bones  are  col- 
ored red,  and  if  the  plant  be  alternately  given  and  inter- 
mitted, their  bones  will  be  found  in  alternate  red  and  white 
circles. 

GENUS  Cornus.  Dogwood.  Cornus,  from  Cornu,  a  horn, 
because  the  wood  is  hard  and  durable,  like  horn.  Anciently 
this  wood  was  used  for  warlike  instruments.  We  have  about 
twelve  species  of  this  genus  in  our  woods.  The  larger  kinds 
are  very  ornamental,  especially  the  common  Dogwood,  (Cor- 
nus fiorida,)  which  is  a  large  shrub  growing  every  where  in 
the  woods.  Its  leaves  are  ovate,  and  acuminate.  The  flow- 
ers in  heads,  surrounded  by  large  involucres  which  are 
nearly  white,  and  which  give  the  tree  a  very  showy  appear- 
ance, particularly  as  it  is  in  flower  in  May,  while  the  green 
leaves  of  the  other  trees  by  which  it  is  surrounded  are  just 
putting  forth.  The  fruit  is  a  red  berry.  The  wood  is  hard 
and  compact,  and  is  sometimes  employed  by  cabinet-makers, 
instead  of  box. 

GENUS  Plantago.  Plantain.  Of  this  there  are  forty  or 
fifty  species,  some  of  which,  the  broad  and  narrow  leaved 
Plantain,  every  one  knows.  The  broad  leaved,  (Plantago 
major,)  grows  about  houses,  and  seems  to  thrive  best  when 
most  trampled  upon.  This  has  from  time  immemorial  been 

What  does  the  name  dipsacus  signify,  and  why  was  this  genus  so 
named  ?  What  use  is  made  of  the  teasel  ?  What  curious  effect  does 
madder  have  upon  the  bones  of  animals  that  eat  it  ?  What  is  the  origin 
of  the  name  cornus  ? 


118  TETRANDIA. 

considered  a  remedy  for  cuts  and  wounds.  Its  spikes,  grow- 
ing on  tough  little  rods,  are  probably  well  remembered  by 
most  country  children. 

The  narrow  leaved,  (Plantago  lanceolata,)  called  also  rib- 
wort, is  found  abundantly  in  the  fields.  Its  stalks  are  fur- 
rowed, and  its  leaves  long  and  deeply  ribbed.  Spike  dark 
colored,  with  white  projecting  stamens. 

ORDER  II. — DIGYNIA.     Stamens  4.     Styles  2. 

This  order  contains  but  few  genera,  and  these  are  mostly 
without  much  interest. 

GENUS  Hamamelis.  Witch  Hazel.  This  is  a  shrub,  or 
bush,  growing  about  the  sides  of  fields,  or  borders  of  woods. 
The  flowers  are  yellow,  and  in  axillary  bunches,  or  termin- 
al. The  singularity,  or  witchery  of  this  species,  consists  in 
its  putting  forth  its  blossoms  at  the  same  time  that  its  leaves 
are  falling,  and  when  the  germens  of  all  its  neighbors  have 
turned  into  pericarps.  Loudon  says,  in  New-England  this 
tree  has  ripe  fruit  and  fresh  blossoms  at  the  same  time.  It 
flowers  in  November  and  December,  the  fruit  being  produced 
the  next  year. 

ORDER  III. — TETRAGYNIA.     Stamens  4.     Styles  4. 

This  order  is  much  more  extensive  than  the  last.  It  con- 
tains one  important  genus,  the  Holly,  and  one  that  is  curious, 
but  common,  the  Pond  Weed. 

GENUS  Ilex.  Holly.  Origin  of  the  name  unknown. 
There  are  many  species  of  this  genus,  but  the  common  Holly, 
(Ilex  aquifolium,)  is  the  most  important.  This  is  an  ever- 
green shrub,  or  low  tree,  which  displays  almost  any  shape,  or 
character,  according  to  its  situation,  age  or  training.  The 
leaves  are  ovate,  acute,  spiny,  and  waved.  The  flowers  are 
axillary,  and  in  whorls,  or  short  umbels.  It  is  extensively 
employed  in  some  countries  for  hedges,  or  fences.  "  The 
common  prickly  Holly,"  says  Loudon,  "  makes  the  best  of  all 
hedges,  whether  we  regard  its  qualities  for  defence,  shelter, 
duration,  or  beauty."  The  plants  are  raised  from  the  seeds, 
which  in  general  do  not  vegetate  until  the  second  year  after 
their  planting.  The  young  shoots  are  then  transplanted  in 
rows,  and  as  they  grow,  are  trimmed,  or  shorn,  according  to 
the  taste  of  the  owner. 

What  singularity  is  there  in  the  time  of  flowering  of  the  witch  hazel  ? 
n  what  respect  is  the  ilex  an  important  species  ? 


PENTANDRIA.  1 1  9 

CLASS  V.— PENTANDRIA.     Stamens  5.     Orders  7 

This  is  the  most  extensive  of  the  Lin-  .  Fig.  E. 
naean  classes,  and  contains  about  a  fifth 
part  of  all  phenogamous  plants,  that  is, 
such  as  have  visible  pistils  and  stamens. 
It  contains  many  of  the  most  valuable  spe- 
cies, on  account  of  their  relation  to  the 
arts  and  medicine.  It  also  includes  the 
umbelliferous  tribe,  among  which  are  at 
once  found  some  of  the  most  deadly  poi- 
sons, such  as  the  Hemlock,  (Cicuta,)  and  some  of  the  most 
agreeable  spices,  as  the  Coriander  and  Caraway.  Among 
others  of  this  class,  which  are  well  known,  we  may  notice 
the  Potato  and  Egg  Plant,  (Solarium,)  Peruvian  Bark,  (Chin- 
chona,)  the  Coffee  tree,  the  Guelder  Rose,  the  Elder,  Milk- 
weed, Tobacco,  Mandrake,  Grape  Vine,  Thorn  Apple.  (Da- 
tura,) Mullein,  Hen-bane,  Red  Pepper,  (Capsicum,)  Currant, 
Goose-berry,  Violet,  Primrose,  Morning  Glory,  Wild  Honey- 
suckle, Cardinal  Flower,  (Lobelia,)  Touch-me-not,  Cocks- 
comb, Gentian,  Beet,  Elm,  Carrot,  &c.  &c. 

The  word  Pentandria  comes  from  the  Greek  pente,  five, 
and  aner,  a  stamen,  and  merely  signifies,  in  Botany,  five 
stamens. 

In  this  class,  the  stamens  are  five  in  number,  and  all  sepa- 
rate, as  at  figure  E.  By  this  circumstance,  flowers  belong- 
ing here,  may  be  distinguished  from  those  of  Class  19,  Syn- 
genesia,  in  which  the  stamens  are  also  five,  but  are  all  united 
by  their  anthers,  which  adhere  together.  The  Syngene- 
sious  flowers  are  also  compound  ;  that  is,  a  number  grow  to- 
gether on  the  same  receptacle. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.      Stamens  5.      Styles  1. 

This  is  the  most  extensive  order  in  the  class,  and  as  it  con- 
tains a  variety  of  plants  which  differ  from  each  other,  in  vari- 
ous respects,  it  is  divided  into  many  sections,  depending  on 
•some  circumstance  peculiar  to  one  or  more  parts  of  the 
flower ;  to  the  kind  of  pericarp  or  its  number  of  cells,  and 
sometimes  on  the  shape  of  the  fruit,  &c.  As  we  can  give 
only  an  illustration  or  two,  of  each  order,  it  is  not  necessary 
to  insist  on  these  divisions. 

How  many  stamens  has  the  class  Pentandria  ?  What  is  said  of  the  ex- 
tent of  this  class  ?  What  important  genera  are  mentioned  as  belonging 
to  this  class  ?  How  are  plants  of  this  class  distinguished  from  those  of 
class  19  ?  What  is  said  of  the  extent  of  the  order  Monogynia,  of  this  class  1 


120  PENTANDRIA. 

GENUS  Symphytum.  Comfrey.  The  name  of  the  genus 
comes  from  the  Greek,  and  signifies  union,  or  junction,  be- 
cause this  plant  has  been  a  famous  remedy  for  cuts  and 
wounds.  Comfrey  has  a  tuberous  root,  is  perennial,  and 
grows  two  or  three  feet  high.  The  common  kind  abounds  in 
mucilage.  All  the  species  are  large,  coarse,  and  shrubby, 
but  showy  plants,  which  flower  for  two  or  three  months  in 
the  year. 

GENUS  Primula.  Primrose.  Primula  comes  from  primus, 
the  first,  because  this  plant  flowers  early  in  the  spring.  Some 
of  the  species,  of  which  there  are  many,  are  evergreen 
plants,  and  some  are  deciduous  herbs.  They  consist  of  dwarf 
mountain,  or  Alpine  plants,  which  are  great  favorites,  on  ac- 
count of  their  early  flowering  and  beauty.  They  grow  from 
three  or  four  inches  to  a  foot  in  height,  and  bear  flowers  of 
various  colors,  as  yellow,  red,  orange,  or  purple.  The  com- 
mon kind,  (Primula  vulgaris,)  has  a  single  yellow  flower; 
leaves  oblong,  obovate,  toothed  and  wrinkled,  petals  five. 
The  leaves  and  roots  smell  like  aniseseed,  when  dried,  and 
are  sometimes  used  as  snuff  for  a  sternutatory.  Few  plants 
have  been  more  celebrated  among  florists  than  this.  Several 
varieties  have  been  produced  by  art,  and  rules  written  to  as- 
sist the  purchaser  in  his  selections,  as  well  as  the  seller  in 
disposing  of  his  goods.  The  auricula  which  belongs  here  is 
a  native  of  the  Alpine  regions  of  Italy,  Switzerland  and  Ger- 
many. The  common  colors  in  the  wild  state,  are  yellow  and 
red,  but  the  colors  of  the  cultivated  kinds  are  innumerable, 
and  some  of  the  species  are  of  exquisite  beauty  and  fra- 
grance. This  is  only  three  or  four  inches  high,  but  supports 
many  flowers  on  the  same  stalk.  Fig.  Fig.  157. 

157.  Loudon  states  that  in  most  of  the 
manufacturing  towns  in  England,  and 
many  in  Scotland,  the  culture  of  this 
flower  forms  a  favorite  amusement  of 
weavers  and  mechanics.  Lancashire  has 
long  been  famous  for  its  Auriculas.  It  is 
no  uncommon  thing  there,  for  a  working 
man,  who  earns  perhaps  from  18  to  30 
shillings  per  week,  to  give  two  guineas 
for  a  new  variety  of  Auricula,  with  a  view  of  crossing  it  with 
some  other,  and  thus  raising  seedlings  of  new  properties. 


Whence  does  the  genus  Symphytum  derive  its  name  ?    Whence  cornea 
the  name  of  the  primrose  ?     What  is  said  of  the  genus  Primula  ? 


PENTANDRIA.  121 

GENUS  Verbascum.  Mullein.  Verbascum  appears  to  be 
an  alteration  of  barbascum,  which  comes  from  barba,  a  beard, 
with  which  the  plant  is  covered.  There  are,  perhaps,  thirty 
species  of  Mullein,  of  which  we  have  two  or  three  in  New- 
England.  Common  Mullein,  (Verbascum  thapsus,)  which 
every  one  knows,  is  from  three  to  ten  feet  high,  with  a  stalk 
as  large  as  one's  wrist.  The  leaves  of  this  are  a  common 
remedy  for  swelled  faces,  its  action,  (if  it  has  any,)  probably 
d  spending  on  the  irritation  which  its  beard  occasions  on  the 
skin.  Its  long  spike  of  golden  blossoms,  makes  this  a  hand- 
some looking  plant. 

GENUS  Datura.  Thorn-apple.  Datura  stramonium,  which 
is  our  common  species,  is  a  large,  dark-colored,  dangerous 
looking  plant.  It  obtrudes  itself  into  most  people's  barn,  or 
door  yards,  where  if  not  destroyed  before  seed  time,  it  dis- 
seminates itself  in  all  directions.  Every  part  of  this  plant  is 
a  strong  poison,  bringing  on  tremors,  delirium,  stupor  and 
death.  Nevertheless,  under  proper  regulations,  and  in  small 
doses,  Datura  is  a  useful  medicine  in  asthma,  and  some  other 
diseases. 

GENUS  Nicotiana.  Tobacco.  So  named  from  John  Nicot, 
of  Nismes,  in  Languedoc,  ambassador  from  the  king  of 
France  to  Portugal,  who  procured  the  seeds  from  a  Dutchman, 
who  had  received  them  from  Florida,  in  America.  The  com- 
mon name,  Tobacco,  comes  from  Tobasco,  the  name  of  a  dis- 
trict in  Mexico.  There  are  about  fifteen  species  of  this  ge- 
nus, which  vary  in  height  from  three  inches  to  six  feet.  The 
species  chiefly  cultivated  and  which  forms  such  a  vast  article 
in  the  commercial  world,  is  the  Virginian  Tobacco,  (Nicoti- 
ana tabacum.}  Perhaps  no  article  of  luxury  has  been  so  uni- 
versally disseminated  as  this  poisonous  herb.  "  Tobacco,  as 
used  by  man,"  says  Du  Tour,  "  gives  pleasure  to  the  savage 
and  the  philosopher  ;  to  the  inhabitant  of  the  burning  desert, 
and  the  frozen  zone."  Its  use,  either  in  powder  to  be  taken 
into  the  nose,  or  in  quids  to  be  chewed,  or  to  be  inhaled  in 
the  form  of  smoke,  is  absolutely  universal.  Even  the  in- 
habitants of  the  newly  discovered  islands,  have  already 
learned  to  use  this  nauseous  drug.  Arid  although  deadly 
sickness  follows  the  first  attempt,  yet,  as  though  spell  bound, 

From  what  circumstance  does  verbascum  obtain  its  name  ?  What  is 
said  of  the  poisonous  properties  of  thorn-apple  ?  How  does  the  genus 
mcotiana  obtain  its  name  ?  Whence  comes  the  name  tobacco  ?  Of  what 
country  is  tobacco  a  native  ?  What  is  said  concerning  the  disseminaf'oD 
and  use  of  tobacco  ? 

11 


122  PENTANDRIA. 

or  nag  beset,  the  experimenter,  persevering,  finally  becomes 
his  own  victim.  A  hundred  volumes,  it  is  said,  havs  been 
written  against  the  use  of  Tobacco,  of  which  a  German  has 
preserved  the  titles.  Among  these  is  the  book  of  James  Stu- 
art, king  of  England,  who,  with  all  his  might,  came  out 
against  it.  The  grand  duke  of  Moscow  forbade  its  entrance 
into  his  territory,  under  pain  of  the  knout  for  the  first  offence, 
and  death  for  the  second.  In  like  manner,  the  Grand  Sultan, 
at  Constantinople,  pope  Urban,  at  Rome,  and  the  king  of  Per- 
sia, all  issued,  either  firmans,  bulls,  or  edicts,  against  it.  But 
still,  like  a  "  dark,  walking"  disease,  the  contagion  caught, 
and  the  evil  spread,  until  at  present  all  the  sovereigns  of  Eu- 
rope, and  most  of  the  princes  and  governments  of  the  earth, 
derive  a  considerable  proportion  of  their  revenues  from  To- 
bacco. 

Tobacco  was  first  carried  to  England  from  the  island  of 
Tobago,  or  from  Tobasco,  in  Mexico,  in  1586.  The  seeds 
were  introduced  some  time  afterwards.  Sir  Walter  Raleigh 
was  the  first  to  introduce  its  use  by  smoking,  which  he  had 
learned  in  Virginia  ;  and  in  the  house  in  which  he  lived  at 
Islington,  are  still  to  be  seen  his  arms,  on  a  shield,  with  a 
Tobacco  plant  at  the  top. 

GENUS  Atropa.  Atropa  was  one  of  the  fates,  whose  duty 
it  was  to  cut  the  thread  of  human  life,  and,  says  an  author, 
"  the  fruit  of  this  genus  are  well  adapted  to  the  fulfilling  of 
her  office."  BeUadonna,  means  fine  lady,  perhaps  in  allusion 
to  its  use  as  a  wash  to  beautify  the  skin.  The  deadly  Night- 
shade, (Atropa  Belladonna,)  is  an  herbaceous,  perennial  plant, 
with  smooth  ovate  leaves,  and  axillary  flowers.  It  grows 
several  feet  high,  and  sends  out  many  branches.  The  whole 
plant  has  a  purplish  tinge.  The  flowers  are  void  of  smell, 
and  the  berries,  at  first  green,  are,  when  ripe,  of  a  beautiful 
shining  black. 

The  whole  plant,  and  especially  the  berries,  are  strongly 
poisonous,  when  taken  into  the  stomach. 

GENUS  Solanum.  Nightshade.  This  extensive  genus  in- 
cludes species  which  are  extremely  unlike  each  other.  We 
have  here  the  most  important  of  all  tubers,  or  perhaps  to 
man,  even  the  most  necessary  of  all  vegetables,  the  Potato. 
Then  follows  the  Egg  Plant,  the  Love  Apple,  (Tomato,)  the 

What  is  said  of  the  number  of  volumes  which  have  been  written  against 
the  use  of  this  plant  ?  When  was  tobacco  first  carried  to  England  i  What 
is  the  native  country  of  the  potato  ?  What  plants  are  associated  in  the 
«ame  genus  with  the  potato? 


PENTANDRIA.  123 

Bittersweet,  and  more  than  a  hundred  other  species  of  less 
note.  The  whole  genus  is  however  of  little  consequence, 
when  compared  with  the  single  species  first  named. 

The  Potato,  (Solanum  tuber osum,} like  tobacco,  is  one  of  the 
native  products  of  the  New  World.  It  appears  to  have  been 
discovered  by  Europeans  in  its  wild,  or  native  state,  in  the 
mountainous  regions  of  South  America,  near  Quito,  where  it 
has  been  lately  ascertained  to  be  still  growing.  How  it 
found  its  way  from  Quito  to  Virginia,  is  unknown,  but  from 
Virginia  it  was  carried  to  England  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  or 
some  of  his  colonists  in  1586.  Our  name,  Potato,  appears  to 
have  come  from  the  Spanish  Potades.  The  French  call  it 
Pomme  de  Terre,  apple  of  the  earth.  The  Sweet  Potato  is  of 
a  different  genus,  and  was  known  long  before  the  discovery 
of  America.  Gough,  an  old  English  author,  says  that  Pota- 
toes were  first  planted  in  Europe  by  Sir  Walter  Raleigh,  on 
his  estate  near  Cork.  For  many  years  they  were  used  as 
delicacies,  and  not  as  common  food.  So  late  as  Bradley's 
time,  who  died  in  1732,  Potatoes  were  reckoned  inferior  to 
radishes  and  skirrets.  During  the  last  thirty  or  forty  years, 
the  use  of  this  root  as  common  food  has  increased  rapidly, 
until,  at  the  present  time,  it  is  common  in  most  of  the  colder 
parts  of  Europe,  in  North  and  South  America,  and  in  Austra- 
lasia. But  in  Spain  and  the  East  and  West  Indies,  it  is  little 
cultivated.  The  varieties  of  the  Potato  are  almost  as  nume- 
rous as  the  districts  where  they  are  cultivated,  and  new  varie- 
ties may  at  any  time  be  produced  by  sowing  the  seed  con- 
tained in  the  balls  which  grow  on  the  vines,  and  which  at 
first  will  produce  only  small  tubers,  but  these  being  planted 
will  yield  a  full  crop  the  fourth  year. 

Tomato,  (Solanum  lycopersicum.)  Love  apple.  This  is 
an  annual  plant,  with  jagged,  or  unequally  winged  leaves, 
which  grows  two  or  three  feet  high,  and  about  the  blossoms 
and  upper  leaves,  appears  somewhat  like  the  potato.  It  bears 
a  large  glossy  berry,  deeply  furrowed,  which  is  at  first  green, 
but  when  ripe,  turns  of  a  beautiful  red,  similar  to  the  great  pep- 
per, (Capsicum.)  This  berry,  which  is  sometimes  two  inches 
in  diameter,  has  been  long  employed  in  Italy  and  France,  as  an 
•'ngredient  in  sauces,  stews  and  soups,  and  in  this  country  it 

When  was  the  potato  first  carried  to  England  1  How  may  new  varie- 
ties of  the  potato  be  produced  ?  What  is  said  of  the  uses  of  the  tomato 
and  egg-plant  ? 


124  PENTANDRIA. 

is  already  raised  in  the  vicinity  of  most  of  the  large  town?  ^r 
the  same  purpose,  and  is  rapidly  coming  into  general  ^se 
When  picked  green  and  thrown  into  vinegar,  with  spices,  the 
Tomato  makes  excellent  pickles.  The  seeds  should  be 
planted  in  a  hot  bed,  in  April,  and  transplanted  into  the  garden 
in  May. 

The  egg-plant,  (Solatium  melongena,)  is  a  tender,  annual, 
herbaceous  plant,  about  two  feet  high,  and  branched.  The 
leaves  are  heart  ovate  and  sinuate,  and  the  stem  prickly. 
The  fruit  is  egg-shaped,  with  the  small  end  upward ;  of  a  beau- 
tiful glossy  purple,  and  from  the  size  of  a  fist  to  that  of  a 
child's  head.  Inside  it  is  fleshy,  with  sinuses  containing 
small  flat  seeds.  This  fruit,  when  cut  in  slices  and  fried  in 
butter,  or  when  stuffed  and  stewed  in  a  certain  manner,  is  a 
great  delicacy.  It  is  raised  in  the  same  manner  as  the 
Tomato,  and  is  rapidly  going  into  use  in  this  country.  It 
may  be  made  an  article  of  economy,  as  well  as  a  luxury,  for 
there  are  few  plants  which  bear  a  greater  weight  of  fruit 
according  to  their  size. 

GENUS  Convolvulus.  Bind-weed.  Convolvulus  is  from 
the  Latin  convolvere,  to  entwine,  because  most  of  the  genus 
are  running  vines.  The  Sweet  Potato,  (Convolvulus  batatus,) 
belongs  here.  Its  vines  run  six  or  eight  feet  and  cover  the 
ground.  Its  leaves  are  heart-shaped,  sinuate,  and  angular. 
This  is  a  native  of  the  East  and  West  Indies,  and  of  China. 
From  these  countries  it  has  spread  into  all  the  tropical  cli- 
mates, which  best  suit  its  nature.  It  will  however  grow  as 
high  as  latitude  42°,  though  not  in  much  perfection. 

Scammony,  a  gum  resin,  used  in  medicine,  is  the  inspis- 
sated juice  of  the  root  of  one  species  of  this  genus,  (Co?ivol- 
vulus  scammonia.) 

GENUS  Capsicum.  Red  pepper.  This  plant  is  too  well 
known  to  require  description.  There  are  many  kinds  raised 
in  our  gardens,  as  the  common,  globular-fruited,  heart-fruited, 
cherry -pepper,  &c.  These  are  all  different  species,  as  may 
be  seen  by  the  different  shapes  and  sizes  of  their  fruits.  Some 
of  these  came  originally  from  India,  some  from  the  West 
Indies,  and  others  from  China.  The  seeds  and  capsules  of 
this  tribe  being  dried  and  pulverized,  form  the  well  ki.own, 
hot,  biting  condiment,  sold  under  the  name  of  Cayenne  Pepper. 

To  what  genus  does  the  sweet  potato  belong  1  How  did  lobelia  obtain 
its  name  1 


PENTANDHIA.  125 

For  this  purpose,  however,  the  Bird  Pepper,  ( Capsicum  bacca- 
tum,}  is  commonly  employed.  It  is  said  that  a  mixture  of 
sliced  cucumbers,  shallots,  or  onions,  cut  very  small,  a  little 
lime  juice,  and  Madeira  wine,  with  a  few  pods  of  Bird  Pepper, 
well  mashed  and  mixed,  seldom  fail  to  provoke  the  most  lan- 
guid appetite,  in  the  West  Indies.  The  common  Capsicum, 
called  Squash  Pepper,  is  cultivated  for  its  green  fruit,  which 
is  chiefly  used  in  pickling. 

GENUS  Campanula.  Bell-flower.  Campanula  means  little 
bell,  so  named  on  account  of  the  bell  shaped  corollas  of  this 
genus.  The  species  are  very  numerous,  and  some  of  them 
beautiful.  The  Canterbury  Bell,  (Campanula  medium,}  which 
bears  a  profusion  of  blue  flowers,  is  well  known,  and  is  a 
general  favorite.  The  varieties  of  this  are  double,  with  red, 
purple,  or  white  flowers.  Some  species  of  this  genus  are 
annual,  some  are  biennial,  and  others  are  perennial.  They 
are  cultivated  chiefly  as  border  flowers,  and  most  of  the  spe- 
cies are  very  easily  raised. 

GENUS  Lobelia.  Name  in  honor  of  M.  Lobel,  physician  and 
botanist  to  James  I.  of  England.  This  genus  furnishes  some 
very  splendid  herbaceous  plants.  Of  the  forty  or  fifty  species 
it  contains,  we  have  about  ten  in  New  England,  and  among 
these,  one  of  the  most  beautiful,  the  Cardinal  flower,  (Lobelia 
cardinalis.}  This  superb  species,  which  is  cultivated  and  highly 
esteemed  in  England,  is  a  native  of  this  country,  and  is  com- 
mon about  the  sides  of  our  brooks  and  ponds.  It  rises  to  the 
height  of  about  two  feet.  Stem  simple,  or  not  branched ; 
leaves  alternate,  lanceolate,  and  serrate.  The  flowers  are 
scarlet  red,  color  very  intense  and  brilliant,  on  which  account 
it  is,  in  some  places,  called  Eye-bright.  Terminal  raceme, 
one-sided,  flowers  large,  and  showy  at  a  distance. 

GENUS  Coffea.  Coffee-tree.  Coffea  Arabica  is  an  erect 
conical  shaped  low  tree,  with  a  light  brown  bark,  and  oppo- 
site, oblong,  shining,  light  green  leaves  ;  flowers  in  clusters 
at  the  base  of  the  leaves,  white,  and  of  a  grateful  odor.  The 
berries  are  at  first  green,  but  become  red,  when  fully  grown, 
and  black,  when  ripe.  It  is  a  decoction  of  this  berry  that 
forms  the  well  known  beverage,  called  coffee,  and  which  is 
said  to  have  been  drank  in  Ethiopia  from  time  immemorial. 

What  is  the  general  character  of  this  genus  ?  When  were  the  first 
coffee  houses  opened  in  Paris,  and  in  London  ?  What  is  the  height  and 
form  of  the  coffee  tree  ? 

11* 


126  PENTANDRIA. 

It  is  probable  that  Ethiopia  is  the  native  country  of  the  tree, 
and  whence  it  was  carried  into  Persia  at  a  period  unknown. 
It  was  introduced  into  Arabia  from  Persia  about  the  middle 
of  the  15th  century,  and  from  Arabia  it  was  carried  to  Con- 
stantinople, where  in  1554  there  were  two  coffee  houses. 
About  the  end  of  the  17th  century  the  first  coffee  house  was 
opened  in  Paris,  but  not  succeeding,  the  keeper  went  to  Lon- 
don, where,  about  this  time,  two  coflee  houses,  or  sheds,  were 
opened.  From  this  period,  the  use  of  coffee  gradually  be- 
came general  all  over  Europe,  as  it  had  been  many  years  be- 
fore in  the  Levant,  and  other  parts  of  the  East. 

The  Coffee  Tree  grows  from  five  to  eighteen  feet  high, 
and  bears  in  three  or  four  years.  The  berry  is  chiefly  raised 
for  market  in  the  East  and  West  Indies.  The  tree  may  be 
grown  from  the  seed,  if  this  is  planted  soon  after  it  is  ripe,  but 
is  said  in  six  weeks  to  lose  its  vital  powers.  The  berries  are 
two-seeded  ;  the  seeds  are  convex  on  one  side  and  flat  on  the 
other. 

Fig.  153. 


The  figure,  158,  shows  the 
form  of  the  leaf,  the  situation 
of  the  flowers,  and  separately, 
the  form  of  the  berry. 


ORDER  II. — DIGYNIA.     Stamens  5.     Styles  2. 

This  order  is  not  nearly  so  numerous  or  important  as  the 
first,  but  it  contains  many  genera  of  considerable  consequence, 
either  as  food,  medicine,  or  ornaments.  The  Asclepias,  the 
singular  genus  Stapelia,  Gentian,  Beet,  Elm,  Coriander, 
Chervil,  Carrot,  Cicuta,  &c.  belong  to  this  order. 

GENUS  Asclepias.  Milkweed.  It  is  named  after  an  ancient 
physician,  or  physicians.  This  is  a  genus  of  plants  which 
grow  from  two  to  four  or  five  feet  high,  and  several  of  them 
bear  highly  colored,  showy  flowers.  In  England  they  are 
known  under  the  name  of  Swallow-wort.  In  this  country  they 
bear  the  name  of  Silk-weed,  Milk-weed,  and  Pleurisy-root. 

What  are  the  names  of  some  of  the  most  important  plants  of  the  2d 
order  ?  What  is  the  botanical  name  of  milkweed  ? 


PENTANDRIA. 


127 


Common  Milkweed,  (Asclepias  Syriaca,}  is  a  well  known 
vegetable,  which  springs  up  early  in  damp  places,  and  is 
often  cut  down  when  young,  and  eaten  like  Asparagus.  When, 
ripe,  the  folliqles  of  this  plant  contain  large  quantities  of 
down,  with  which  people  sometimes  fill  their  beds  or  pillows. 
The  Pleurisy-root,  (Asclepias  decumbens,)  has  orange  colored 
umbels,  and  grows  in  dry  sandy  places.  The  root  has  some 
medicinal  virtues. 

GENUS  Stapelia.  This  genus  was  so  called  by  Linnaeus, 
in  honor  of  Dr.  Stapel  of  Amsterdam.  The  plants  are  chiefly 
natives  of  the  deserts  of  Africa,  but  many  of  them  have  been 
transplanted  into  the  botanic  gardens  of  London  as  great  vege- 
table curiosities.  The  species  vary  from  three  inches  to  a 
foot  in  height,  and  are  all  of  them  entirely  without  leaves. 
Some  of  them  bear  flowers  which  are  very  large  when  com- 
pared with  the  size  of  the  plant.  These  are  yellow,  purple, 
green,  &c.  The  plants  in  general  appearance  resemble  the 
Cactus,  or  Prickly  Pear  genus,  the  stems  being  large,  fleshy, 
often  covered  with  teeth  or  tubercles,  and  terminated  abruptly. 
The  flowers  are  supported  by  short  peduncles  which  come 
out  of  the  sides  of  the  branches. 

Fig.  159. 


The  figure,  159,  represents  the 
wart  flowered  Stapelia,  (Stapelia 
verrucosa.) 


GENUS  Gentiana.  Gentian.  Name  from  Gentius,  king  of 
Illyria,  who,  according  to  Pliny,  first  discovered  the  tonic  vir- 
tues of  this  genus.  This  is  a  handsome  genus,  the  species 
of  which  vary  in  height  from  four  inches  to  three  feet.  The 
flowers  of  some  are  campanulate,  of  others  wheel-bnaped, 
and  of  others  funnel-shaped.  The  colors  are  blue,  yellow, 
or  purple.  The  species  most  employed  in  medicine,  is  the 
yellow  Gentian,  (Gentiana  lutea,)  the  root  of  which  is  in 
common  use  as  a  tonic  bitter  in  most  parts  of  the  world. 

GENUS  Apium.  \Parsley.  Apium,  is  from  the  Celtic  apon, 
water,  because  the  wild  parsley  loves  wet  places.  Common 


.28  PENTANDR1A. 

Parsley,  which  is  in  general  use  to  communicate  an  agreea 
ble  flavor  to  soups,  and  Celery,  a  well  known  sallad,  are  the 
two  principal  species  of  this  genus. 

Celery,  (Apium  graveolens,}  is  considered  one  of  the  most 
valuable  of  the  sallads,  because  it  is  eaten  during  the  winter, 
when  others  are  out  of  season.  This  is  a  remarkable  in- 
stance of  the  effect  of  cultivation  on  a  vegetable,  the  wild 
Parsley  being  rank,  coarse,  hard,  and  entirely  unfit  to  eat, 
while  the  Celery  into  which  the  gardener  converts  it,  is 
sweet,  crisp,  juicy,  and  of  a  most  agreeable  flavor. 

GENUS  Crithmum,  Fig.  160.  Samphire. 
Crithmum  comes  from  a  Greek  word,  sig- 
nifying barley,  because  the  seeds  of  this 
plant  resemble  grains  of  barley.  Samphire 
grows  about  a  foot  high.  Its  stalk  and 
leaves  are  thick  and  fleshy,  as  shown  in  the 
figure,  and  it  is  found  chiefly  among  cliffs 
near  the  sea-shore,  though  it  may  be  culti- 
vated  in  dry  shady  places,  any  where. 
The  inhabitants,  where  it  abounds,  use  it  as  a  pot  herb,  and 
an  ingredient  in  sallads.  But  its  chief  use,  is  that  of  a  pickle. 
The  Marsh  Samphire,  (Salicornia,)  is  a  leafless  plant,  and  be- 
longs to  the  class  Monandria,  while  the  real  Samphire 
belongs  to  class  V.,  and  is  an  umbelliferous  plant.  These 
have  sometimes  been  confounded,  the  name  Samphire  having 
been  improperly  applied  to  the  former. 

UMBELLIFEROUS    TRIBE. 

To  this  class  and  order  belong  chiefly  that  large  natural 
tribe  of  plants  called  umbelliferous,  so  termed,  as  we  have 
formerly  explained,  in  consequence  of  their  peculiar  inflores- 
cence. The  essential  characters  of  this  order  are  calyx  supe- 
rior, either  entire,  or  five  toothed  ;  petals  five  ;  stamens  five, 
alternate  with  the  petals  ;  seed  pendulous,  usually  adhering 
inseparably  to  the  pericarpium  ;  plants  herbaceous,  with  hol- 
low furrowed  stems ;  leaves  usually  divided,  sometimes 
simple,  sheathing  at  the  base  ;  flowers  in  umbels,  color  white, 
pink,  yellow,  or  blue,  generally  surrounded  by  an  involucrum. 
— See  Lindley's  Nat.  System. 

These  plants  are  chiefly  natives  of  the  northern  parts  of 
the  northern  hemisphere,  inhabiting  groves,  thickets,  plains, 

What  are  the  essential  characters  of  the  umbelliferous  tribes  ? 


PENTANDRIA.  129 

marshes  and  wet  places.  According  to  trie  investigations  of 
Decandolle,  the  following  is  the  proportion  of  the  order  of 
umbelliferous  plants,  found  in  different  parts  of  the  world, 
viz. 

In  the  northern  hemisphere,  679  species. 

In  the  southern          do.  205     do. 

Of  these,  there  are  found, 

In  the  Old  World,  663  species. 

In  America,  159     do. 

Australasia,  -      y*--          54      do. 

In  scattered  islands,  14      do. 

From  this  we  learn,  that  the  species  of  umbelliferous  plants 
known  to  botanists,  amount  to  nearly  nine  hundred,  and  it  is 
probable  that  there  are  hundreds  of  species  still  undescribed 
and  unknown. 

In  respect  to  the  properties  of  this  natural  tribe,  Dr.  Lind- 
ley  says,  they  should  be  considered  under  two  points  of  view, 
viz.  those  of  the  vegetation,  and  those  of  the  fructification. 
The  character  of  the  former  is  generally  suspicious,  and  often 
poisonous  in  a  high  degree,  as  is  the  case  of  the  herbage  of 
Hemlock,  Fool's  Parsley,  and  others,  which  are  deadly  poi- 
sons. Nevertheless,  the  steins  and  leaves,  (herbage,)  of 
Parsley,  Celery,  and  Samphire,  and  the  roots  of  Carrot  and 
Parsnip  are  wholesome  articles  of  diet.  The  fruit,  commonly 
called  the  seeds,  are  in  no  case  dangerous,  and  is  generally  a 
warm  and  agreeable  aromatic,  as  Caraway,  Dill,  Coriander, 
Anise,  &c. 

ORDER  III. — TRIGYNIA.      Stamens  5.      Styles  3. 

This  order,  when  compared  with  the  others  already  no- 
ticed, is  small,  and  contains  but  a  few  important  genera.  Of 
these,  the  Sumac,  Guelder  Rose,  and  the  Elder,  are  among 
the  most  conspicuous. 

GENUS  Sambucus.  Elder.  The  name  is  said  to  be  de- 
rived from  Sambuca,  the  Latin  name  of  a  wind  instrument, 
usually  made  of  the  wood  of  this  shrub.  There  are  many 
foreign  species  of  Elder  which  are  unknown  in  this  country. 
The  common  European  Elder,  (Sambucus  nigra,)  is  a  showy 
tree;  growing  fifteen  or  twenty  feet  high  ;  but  except  in  size, 
it  appears  not  to  differ  from  our  common  species  (Sambucus 

Where  is  this  tribe  chiefly  found  ?  What  number  of  umbelliferous 
plants  are  known  to  botanists  ?  What  are  the  most  conspicuous  j  lants  of 
the  order  Trigynia  ? 


130  PENTANDRIA. 

Canadensis.)  The  white  flowers  and  black  berries  of  our 
Elder,  are  both  considered  as  possessing  some  medicinal 
properties. 

GENUS  Rhus.  Sumac.  The  name  Rhus,  comes  from  the 
Celtic  rhudd,  signifying  red,  on  account  of  the  color  of  the 
fruit.  This  is  a  pretty  extensive  genus,  and  is  widely  dissemi- 
nated. Many  of  the  species  are  natives  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope,  ten  or  twelve  belong  to  North  America,  and  others  are 
scattered  in  different  countries.  Most  of  the  species  are 
shrubs  from  two  to  eight  feet  high,  but  some  of  them  are 
small  trees,  rising  to  fifteen  or  twenty  feet.  Our  common 
Sumac,  (Rhus  glabrum,}  is  well  known  from  the  large 
bunches  of  red  berries  which  it  bears.  These  berries,  with 
a  mordant,  are  employed  to  color  black.  Poison  Sumac, 
(Rhusvernix,)  is  also  a  common  species  in  our  swamps.  This 
grows  twenty  feet  high.  The  wood  and  leaves  are  remarka- 
bly smooth,  and  it  appears  among  its  neighbors,  rather  like  a 
stranger  from  the  tropics,  than  a  native  plant.  On  some  per- 
sons, the  effluvia  of  this  tree  exerts  a  poisonous  influence. 
The  burning  of  a  small  stick,  or  touching  the  green  wood,  or 
even  passing  by  the  growing  tree,  has,  in  many  instances,  oc- 
casioned the  most  distressing  eruptions  on  the  skin,  attended 
with  swelling  of  the  face,  and  other  painful  symptoms.  On 
most  persons,  however,  it  has  no  such  effect.  The  Rhus  ver- 
nix  of  Japan,  is  the  tree  that  affords  the  true  Japan  varnish. 
This  consists  merely  in  the  milky  juice  of  the  plant,  which 
being  spread  on  any  kind  of  cabinet  furniture,  or  other  wood, 
gives  the  surface  a  beautiful  transparent  and  durable  gloss. 
Whether  this  tree  is  identical  with  ours,  has  been  a  matter  of 
dispute. 

GENUS  Viburnum.  This  genus  consists  entirely  of  orna- 
mental shrubs,  of  which  the  Guelder  Rose,  ( Viburnum  opu- 
lus,)  and  the  Snowball  tree,  (Viburnum  roscum,)  are  among 
the  most  beautiful.  The  latter  is  merely  a  variety  of  the 
former,  and  produces  large  white  flowers  in  the  form  of  balls, 
resembling  those  of  Hydrangea,  and  like  them,  these  flowers 
are  abortive,  that  is  they  produce  no  fruit.  In  our  woods  we 
have  five  or  six  species  of  this  genus,  most  of  which  flower 
in  May  and  June. 

Whence  does  the  genus  Sambucus  derive  its  name  ?     What  is  said  of 
tLe  genus  Rhus  ?     To  what  class  and  order  do  the  guelder  rose,  or  hy 
drangea,  and  the  snowball,  belong  1 


PENTANDRIA. 


ORDER  IV. — TETRAGYNIA.      Stamens  5.      Styles  4. 


Fig.  161. 


This  order  contains  only  two  genera. 
GENUS  Parnassia,  Fig.  161.  Grass  of 
Parnassus.  Name  from  Mount  Parnas- 
sus the  abode  of  grace  and  beauty,  where 
ft  is  said  this  elegant  little  plant  was  first 
round.  There  are  several  species  of  this 
genus,  of  which  two  are  natives  of  this 
country.  The  Carolina  Parnassia  is 
ibout  six  inches  high,  with  radical  leaves 
aearly  orbicular,  as  represented  in  the 

Irawing.     The  flower  is  white,  single, 

,nd  beset  with  nectaries,  which  might  be 

mistaken  for  anthers. 

ORDER  V. — PENTAGYNIA.     Stamens  5.     Styles  5. 

This  order  includes  a  considerable  number  of  plants, 
.  *:>ong  which  we  find  Flax  and  Sea  Lavender. 

GENUS  Linum.  Flax.  Linum  comes  from  the  Celtic  Llin, 
which  signifies  a  thread.  The  genus  contains  a  large  num- 
ber of  species,  but  the  only  one  of  any  considerable  use  is 
the  common  Flax,  Linum  usitatissimum.)  This  has  been  cul- 
tivated for  its  thread,  or  fibre,  from  the  remotest  antiquity. 
Of  \vAat  country  it  is  a  native,  or  whether  it  was  not  origi- 
nally common  to  many  countries,  is  at  present  unknown. 
The  bodies  of  Egyptian  mummies,  said  by  certain  proofs,  to 
be  moie  than  3000  years  old,  are  enveloped  in  folds  of  fine 
linen  doth.  Such  are  the  oldest  specimens  of  the  art  of  spin- 
ning auJ  weaving  extant.  But  judging  from  the  fineness  and 
beauty  of  these  fabrics,  the  art  must  have  been  practised  long 
before  such  specimens  were  produced. 

GENUO  Statice.  Sea  Lavender.  This  is  a  large  genus  ol 
ornamenud  plants.  They  are  mostly  evergreen  shrubs, 
growing  irom  a  few  inches  to  three  feet  in  height.  Many 
are  native?  of  Russia  and  Siberia,  and  one  or  two  herbaceous 
species  arc  found  in  North  America.  In  Europe  they  are 
cultivated  as  ornamental  plants,  but  are  still  not  very  common. 

ORDER  VI. — POLYGYNIA.     Stamens  5.     Styles  many. 

This  order,  instead  of  containing  six  styles,  or  pistils, 
which  would  be  its  number,  could  we  proceed  numerically, 
as  with  the  other  orders,  contains  plants  with  an  uncertain 

To  what  class  and  order  does  common  flax  belong  1 


132  HEXANDRIA. 

number  01*  pistils,  but  always  more  than  six.  The  name  of 
the  order  signifies  many  pistils,  in  allusion  to  this  circum- 
stance. 

This  order  contains  only  a  few  genera,  and  none  of  any 
considerable  interest.  The  Mysorus,  or  Mouse-tail,  is  a  lit- 
tle plant  which  belongs  here.  Its  seeds  are  situated  on  along 
slender  receptacle,  which  stands  erect,  and  in  appearance 
very  nearly  resembles  the  tail  of  a  mouse. 

GENUS  Xanthorhiza,  is  compounded  of  two  Greek  words, 
and  signifies  yellow  root,  which  is  the  common  name  of  an 
inferior  shrub  whose  place  is  here.  This  poor  plant  has  jag- 
ged leaves,  and  bears  some  dull  and  purplish  flowers.  Like 
its  associate,  Mouse-tail,  it  is  only  mentioned  here,  for  the 
want  of  a  more  respectable  example. 

Yellow  Root  is  a  native  of  our  country,  and  grows  about 
three  feet  high.  It  has  no  calyx,  five  petals,  five  nectaries, 
and  five  one-seeded  capsules. 

CLASS  VI.— HEXANDRIA.    Stamens  6.     Orders  6. 

The   name   Hexandria,  is   composed  of  Fig- 

two  Greek  words,  and  signifies  six  stamens. 
The  flowers  are  not  cruciform.  This  class 
includes  the  most  beautiful  of  the  herbace- 
ous plants  which  are  cultivated  in  gardens, 
such  as  the  Lily,  Tuberose,  Crown  Impe- 
rial, Tulip,  Hyacinth,  &c.  It  also  con- 
tains some  of  the  most  important  esculent 
vegetables,  and  many  medicinal  plants.  The  Rice,  Aspara- 
gus, Pine-Apple,  and  Plantain,  are  necessary  articles  of  food, 
and  the  Colchicum,  and  Aloe,  which  also  belong  here,  afford 
medicines  of  considerable  power.  Under  the  different  orders 
we  shall  see,  more  particularly,  what  valuable  and  ornamen- 
tal plants,  the  Class  includes. 

ORDER  I.--MONOGYNIA.     Stamens  6.     Style  I. 

This  order  embraces  the  Narcissus,  the  Plantain-tree 
Pine-Apple,  Tillandsia,  Amaryllus,  Bamboo,  Fan  Palm,  Aloe 
Lily,  Tulip,  Lily-of-the- Valley,  Garlic,  Star  of  Bethlehem, 

How  many  styles  does  the  order  Polygynia  contain  ?  How  many  sta- 
mens constitute  the  class  Hexandria  ?  What  ornamental  genera  does  this 
class  contain  ?  What  are  among  the  useful  a,nd  ornamental  belonging  to 
this  class  ? 


HEXANDRIA.  133 

Squill,  Asparagus,  Hyacinth,  Solomon's  Seal,  and  Crown  Im- 
perial. It  contains  most  of  the  conspicuous  plants  of  the 
class,  and  more  than  twice  the  number  of  all  the  other  Orders 
combined. 

GENUS  Narcissus.  Name  from  the  Greek,  narke,  signify  - 
ing  stupor,  because  some  of  the  species  of  this  tribe  are  poi- 
sonous. For  this  reason,  Narcissus  was  dedicated  to  the 
Furies,  who,  by  its  means,  (it  is  said)  stupified  their  victims. 
This  is  a  very  large  genus,  and  contains  several  beautiful  and 
favorite  flowers.  They  are  perennial  plants,  with  bulbous 
roots.  They  grow  from  three  to  twelve  inches  high,  and 
bear  chiefly  yellow  and  white  flowers.  The  Jonquil  is  one 
of  this  genus,  and  the  Daffodil  another.  The  first  is  a  very 
popular  flower,  and  some  of  its  varieties  are  remarkably  beau- 
tiful and  very  fragrant.  The  Daffodil  is  well  known  as  one 
of  our  earliest  spring  flowers.  It  is  a  native  of  England. 

GENUS  Musa.  The  Plantain  Tree.  The  generic  name, 
according  to  Linnaeus,  is  from  Antonius  Musa,  a  Roman,  and 
the  freed  man  of  Augustus.  This  splendid  genus  consists  of 
species,  which  have  perennial,  roundish,  solid,  watery  bulbs, 
with  biennial,  and  sometimes  longer  enduring  stems.  The 
stems  are  round,  thick,  smooth,  and  simple,  and  from  five  to 
twenty-five  feet  in  height.  The  leaves  are  oblong,  and  from 
three  to  ten  feet  in  length,  and«iearly  two  feet  wide.  The 
flowers  are  generally  white,  and  in  large  terminal  racemes. 
The  fruit  of  the  common  Plantain,  (Musa  paradisiaca),  is 
borne  in  spikes,  which  sometimes  weigh  forty  pounds  each. 
It  is  at  first  green,  but  when  fully  ripe  becomes  pale  yellow. 
Each  fruit  or  piece  of  which  the  spikes  or  clusters  are  com- 
posed, is  about  eight  or  nine  inches  long,  a  little  curved,  and 
an  inch  or  more  in  diameter.  The  Banana  tree,  (Musa  sa- 
pientwn,)  is  a  species  of  this  genus,  or  perhaps  only  a  variety 
of  the  common  Plantain.  There  is  little  difference  in  the 
appearance  of  the  tree,  or  taste  of  the  fruit. 

These  trees  are  natives  of  warm  climates,  and  are  con- 
sidered by  many  who  cultivate  them  as  among  the  greatest 
of  earthly  blessings.  In  a  plantation  of  these  trees,  one  o* 
another  of  them  will  bear  fruit  most  of  the  year.  It  is  eaten 
boiled,  roasted,  fried,  or  dried,  and  preserved  as  a  sweet- 
meat. Poor  families  are  said  to  subsist  entirely  on  this  fruit, 
with  a  little  fish  or  salt  meat,  for  seasoning. 

Whence  does  the  name  Narcissus  come  ?  What  is  said  of  the  plan- 
tain and  banana  ? 

12 


t'4  HEXANDRIA. 

GENUS  Bromelia.  Pine  Apple.  Linnaeus  named  this  ge- 
nus after  Olaus  Brommel,  a  Swede,  arid  the  author  of  several 
works.  It  is  one  of  the  native  productions  of  the  New  World 
The  Peruvians,  among  whom  Europeans  first  found  the  Pine 
Apple,  called  it  Nanas.  The  French  and  other  Europeans 
call  it  Ananas,  It  is  called  Pine  Apple,  because  the  whole 
fruit  resembles  the  cones  of  the  Pine  tree.  Of  this  genus 
there  are  about  twenty  species,  arid  probably  more  than  twice 
that  number  of  varieties. 

The  Pine  Apple  is  an  evergreen  herbaceous  plant,  the  dif- 
ferent species  of  which  grow  from  one  to  four  feet  high.  It 
is  chiefly  cultivated  in  hot  climates,  as  an  article  of  commerce, 
but  may  be  grown  in  a  green  house  in  any  temperate  country. 
Loudon  says  that  this  fruit  is  now  cultivated  very  generally 
in  Britain  and  several  places  in  Ireland,  and  at  most  of  the 
capital  cities  on  the  continent.  In  the  West  Indies  and  New 
Providence,  this  plant  is  propagated  by  the  seeds,  but  in 
England  this  is  chiefly  done  by  suckers. 

GENUS  Tillandsia.  The  name  of  this  genus  was  conferred 
by  Linnaeus,  in  honor  of  Elias  Tillandsius,  professor  of 
physic  at  Abo.  We  have  already  described  one  species  of 
this  plant,  as  being  valuable  in  the  West  Indies,  on  account 
of  its  leaves  forming  a  vessel  in  the  shape  of  a  bottle,  which 
holds  a  quantity  of  water.  Another  species,  T.  usneoides, 
has  a  stem  no  larger  than  a  thread,  and  being  a  parasite,  sus- 
pends itself  from  trees,  where  it  hangs  down  a  yard  or  more, 
like  an  old  man's  beard,  by  which  name  it  is  known  in  Ja- 
maica. This  curious  plant  grows  in  Louisiana,  and  I  believe 
in  Alabama  also.  From  the  southern  states  it  is  imported  to 
this  part  of  the  country,  for  the  purpose  of  stuffing  saddles, 
coach  cushions,  chairs,  &c.,  and  is  called  Moss. 

GENUS  Amaryllis.  This  is  the  name  of  a  nymph  celebra- 
ted by  the  poets.  It  is  a  superb  genus,  containing  from 
thirty  to  forty  species.  They  are  bulbous  rooted,  green  house 
plants,  which  vary  in  height  from  three  inches  to  three  feet. 
Jacob's  Lily,  (Amaryllis  formosissima,}  which  is  of  a  dark  red 
color,  with  its  petals  gracefully  curved,  it  is  believed,  is  an 
American  species.  These  plants  are  easily  propagated  by  the 
shells,  or  scales  taken  from  the  bulbs  and  planted  in  a  pot  of 
mould. 

What  is  the  native  country  of  the  pine-apple  ?  Why  is  this  fruit  called 
pine-apple?  What  are  the  uses  of  the  Tillandsia  genus?  What  is  said 
of  the  genus  Amaryllis  ?  How  is  the  name  Polyanthus  derived  ? 


HEXANDRIA.  135 

V 

GENUS  Polyanthus.  Tuberose.  From  polus,  many,  and 
anthos,  a  flower,  in  allusion  to  the  many  flowers  it  bears. 
This  is  a  tuberous  rooted,  ornamental,  sweet  scented  flower, 
very  generally  cultivated  in  this  country.  It  flowers  in 
August  and  September,  and  grows  two  or  three  feet  high.  It 
is  easily  propagated  by  its  tubers. 

GENUS  Bambusa.  Bamboo  Cane.  The  Indian  name  is 
bambos,  commonly  called  Bamboo.  The  common  Bamboo, 
(Bambusa  arundinacea,)  has  a  woody,  hollow,  round,  straight 
culm,  forty  feet  high  and  upwards,  with  small,  solid,  alternate 
branches.  It  is  a  native  of  most  tropical  countries,  and  is 
said  to  grow  in  South  Carolina.  When  describing  the  culm, 
we  took  notice  of  the  many  useful  purposes  for  which  the 
Bamboo  is  employed. 

GENUS  Aloe.  The  name  is  supposed  to  be  of  Arabic  ori- 
gin. The  genus  consists  of  a  very  large  number  of  odd 
looking,  thick  leaved,  succulent  plants.  The  species  are 
about  one  hundred  in  number,  all  evergreens,  a  part  shrubs, 
and  a  part  herbaceous  plants.  They  vary  in  height  from  a 
few  inches  to  ten  or  twelve  feet.  In  our  climate  they  are 
green  house  plants.  Several  species  are  cultivated  in  the 
West  Indies  for  the  purpose  of  making  the  well  known 
medicine,  Aloes.  The  best  kind  of  this  gum-resin  is  called 
Socotorine,  which  name  it  takes  from  the  Island  Socotra,  in 
the  straits  of  Babelmandel,  where  this  article  was  formerly 
manufactured. 

The  whole  genus  came  originally  from  Af-  Fi§-  162- 

rica,  but  are  now  dispersed  to  most  parts  of 
the  world.  Most  of  the  species  consists  of 
thick,  rigid,  radical  leaves,  crowded  closely 
together  at  the  base,  gradually  tapering  up- 
wards, and  frequently  armed  with  spines. 
From  the  centre  of  the  leaves  there  rises  a 
stem,  which  bears  a  spike  of  flowers,  as  in 
the  species  variegata,  Fig.  162.  The  gum- 
resin  is  prepared  by  cutting  the  leaves  in 
pieces,  and  submitting  them  to  pressure,  after  which,  the 
juice  thus  obtained,  is  evaporated  to  dryness  in  the  sun. 

GENUS  Lily.  Name  from  the  Celtic  word  li,  which 
signifies  whiteness.  The  Lily  has  always  been  considered 

What  is  said  of  the  genus  Aloel  Of  what  class  and  order  is  this 
genus  ?  What  is  the  use  of  the  Aloe :  What  is  the  origin  of  the  word 
lily? 


136  HEXANDRIA. 

the  emblem  of  whiteness.  This  is  a  splendid  genus,  all 
the  species  of  which  are  considered  handsome  flowers,  and 
some  of  them  rank  among  the  greatest  beauties  of  the  gar- 
den. In  scientific  gardening,  the  Lilies  are  used  as  border 
ornaments,  those  of  different  colors  being  intermixed,  or 
placed  in  fancy  figures.  The  Lilies  are  natives  of  North 
America,  of  China,  Siberia  and  Germany.  There  are  about 
twenty  cultivated  species,  of  which  at  least  seven  are  natives 
of  North  America.  The  Lilies  vary  from  one  to  six,  or  seven 
feet  in  height. 

GENUS  Tulipa.  The  Tulip  appears  to  have  been  brought 
from  Persia  to  Europe,  by  way  of  Constantinople,  in  1559. 
In  about  a  century  after  this  time,  all  Europe  became  ac- 
quainted with  this  flower,  in  consequence  of  the  high  prices 
set  upon  certain  species,  and  the  rise  of  what  has  been  call- 
ed the  Tulipo-mania  of  Holland  and  the  Netherlands.  At 
that  time,  Tulip  bulbs,  the  flowers  of  which  were  variegated, 
or  as  it  is  called,  broken,  in  a  certain  manner,  sold  for  im- 
mense prices,  so  that  some  speculators  gave  their  farms, 
houses,  and  cattle,  for  one  of  these  roots,  thus  leaving  noth- 
ing between  the  absolute  beggary  of  themselves  and  fami- 
lies, but  a  single  Tulip  bulb.  Others  bought  and  sold  bulbs 
for  $2000,  and  upwards,  and  in  one  instance  for  $10,000, 
in  those  days,  immense  sums.  These  were  sometimes  flo- 
rists, who  bought  roots  at  such  prices,  with  the  intention  to 
propagate  and  sell  the  rare  varieties  at  corresponding  rates. 
But  as  the  speculation  was  founded  on  an  article,  in  its  na- 
ture entirely  worthless,  it  became  a  species  of  gambling, 
which  the  government  interposed  to  suppress,  by  fixing  the 
price  over  which  no  Tulip  should  be  sold.  This,  however, 
was  not  done  until  immense  fortunes  were  made,  and  thou- 
sands reduced  to  poverty  by  this  singular  speculation.  (For 
an  account  of  this  mania,  see  Beckman's  Hist.  Inventions, 
and  Carr's  Tour  through  Holland.) 

The  mode  of  producing  variegated  Tulips,  consists  in 
planting  the  seed,  first  in  a  rich  soil,  and  afterwards  trans- 
planting the  bulb  into  one  that  is  poor  and  sandy.  Here, 
in  the  course  of  two  or  three  years,  the  flowers  generally 
become  broken,  or  variegated  of  different  colors.  There  is 
no  method,  as  is  generally  supposed,  of  giving  a  certain 

What  are  the  native  countries  of  the  Lily  ?  What  is  the  native  coun- 
try of  the  Tulip  ?  What  is  said  of  the  Tulipo-mania  ?  How  are  varie- 
gated  Tulips  produced  ? 


HEXANDRIA.  137 

succession  of  colors  to  any  variety,  nor  can  the  florist  be 
sure,  even  of  changing  the  colors  at  all,  since  some  varieties 
have  been  known  to  continue  of  the  same  color  for  more  than 
twenty  years,  though  constantly  exposed  to  the  same  process 
by  which  others  are  broken  in  a  year  or  two. 

The  varieties  of  this  flower  are  numberless,  and  may  be 
constantly  increased.  In  a  late  London  catalogue,  there 
are  advertised  30  kinds  of  double,  and  600  varieties  of 
single  Tulips,  all  with  their  appropriate  names,  or  descrip- 
tions annexed. 

GENUS  Allium.  Garlic.  Onion.  Allium  is  said  to  be 
derived  from  the  Celtic  word  all,  which  signifies  hot,  or 
burning.  This  is  a  large  genus  of  strongly  scented,  bulbous 
rooted  plants,  all  of  them  esculent,  and  some  of  them  known 
in  the  days  of  Moses  and  Aaron.  The  number  of  known 
species  are  about  ninety,  of  which  our  common  onion,  (Al- 
lium cepa,)  is  the  tallest,  most  valuable,  and  most  exten- 
sively cultivated.  The  Shallot,  (Allium  ascalonicum,)  grows 
eight  or  ten  inches  high,  has  a  small  bulb,  seldom  flowers, 
and  is  the  mildest  of  all  the  cultivated  species.  This  is 
eaten  as  a  salad. 

GENUS  Hyacinthus.  Hyacinth.  Name,  from  the  fabled 
Hyacinthus,  who  was  said  to  have  been  killed  by  Apollo,  and 
changed  into  this  flower.  This  genus  contains  only  two 
species,  but  a  vast  number  of  varieties  have  been  produced 
by  art  and  cultivation.  It  is  a  native  of  the  East,  and  is  said 
still  to  grow  wild  in  abundance,  about  Bagdad  and  Aleppo. 
The  Dutch,  who  first  cultivated  this  bulb  for  sale,  for  many 
years  made  a  considerable  article  of  commerce  of  it.  In 
about  1720,  the  florists  of  Haarlem,  it  was  said,  had  2000 
varieties  of  the  Hyacinth  for  sale.  The  fundamental  varie- 
ties are  double,  semi-double,  single,  red,  white,  purple,  blue, 
and  yellow,  in  many  difTerent  shades.  These  are  known  by 
different  names,  such  as  that  of  the  florist  who  raised  them, 
or  his  friends,  or  patrons,  public  characters,  or  some  cele- 
brated name  of  history,  or  antiquity,  &c. 

ORDER  II. — DIGYNIA.     Stamens  6.     Styles  2. 
GENUS  Oryza.     Rice.     Oruza,  the  origin  of  this  term,  is 
a  Greek  word,  said  to  be   derived  from  the  Arabic.     Com- 
mon Rice,  (Oryza  sativa,)  is  the  only  species  belonging  to 

What  is  the  origin  of  the  name  hyacinth  ?     What  is  said  of  the  vari 
eties  of  the  hyacinth  ? 
12* 


138  HEXANDRIA. 

the  genus.  Rice  is  an  annual  plant,  having  a  culm  from  one 
to  six  feet  in  length,  which  is  simple,  erect,  jointed,  and 
round.  The  leaves  embrace  the  stalk,  and  are  reflected. 
The  flowers  and  fruit  are  in  a  large  terminating  panicle. 
The  varieties  of  Rice,  as  is  the  case  with  other  cultivated 
grains,  are  as  numerous  as  the  soils,  climates,  and  othei 
circumstances  under  which  it  grows.  It  is  cultivated  in 
great  abundance  in  most  parts  of  India,  and  is  the  chief  arti- 
cle of  food  for  the  native  inhabitants.  In  China,  two  crops 
are  said  to  be  raised  in  a  year  from  the  same  ground.  It 
is  there  sown  chiefly  on  low  ground,  which  is  inundated  at 
a  certain  season  by.  a  river.  The  mud  thus  deposited  keeps 
the  soil  sufficiently  rich  to  ensure  good  crops  from  year  to 
year.  In  Java,  and  some  other  eastern  countries,  what  is 
called  the  mountain  Rice,  is  grown  upon  the  hills,  where 
no  water  comes  except  the  usual  rains.  In  Southern 
States,  and  especially  in  the  Carolinas,  large  quantities  of 
this  grain  are  raised  for  exportation,  and  in  Europe  this  is 
considered  by  far  superior  to  that  from  India,  or  any  other 
country.  This  is  the  only  genus  of  the  least  importance  in 
this  order. 

ORDER  III. — TRIGYNIA.     Stamens  6.     Styles  3. 

Dock,    (Rumex,)  and   Meadow  Saffron,    (Colchicum,)   are 
the  principal  genera  of  this  order. 

GENUS  Colchicum.  Meadow  Saffron.  The  name  is  de- 
rived from  Colchis,  where  it  is  said  this  plant  anciently  grew 
in  abundance.  There  are  several  species  of  this  genus,  but 
the  only  one  of  any  consequence  is  the  common  Meadow 
Saffron,  (Colchicum  autumnale,)  which  grows  wild  in  the 
meadows  of  England  and  other  parts  of  Europe.  It  is  a 
bulbous  root,  with  a  stem  about  four  inches  Fig.  IBS. 
high,  which  bears  a-  single  purple  flower,  with 
five  petals.  See  figure  163.  Leaves  linear, 
lanceolate,  and  radical.  The  bulb  is  about  the 
size  of  that  of  a  Tulip,  and  has  from  time  out 
of  mind,  been  considered  as  poisonous  in 
large  doses,  but  has  been  known  and  employ- 
ed as  a  medicine  ever  since  the  days  of  Hip- 
pocrates. At  the  present  day  it  is  chiefly  used  in  cases  of 
rheumatism. 

What  is  said  of  rice  as  an  article  of  food  ?     What  is  said  of  the  genus 
colchicum  ? 


HEPTANDRIA.  139 

GENUS  Rumex.  Dock.  This  genus  contains  many  spe- 
cies which  differ  greatly  from  each  other  in  most  respects. 
They  grow  from  one  to  six  or  eight  feet  high.  In  most  of 
the  species  the  root  is  fusiform,  but  in  some  it  is  tuberous. 
The  broad-leaved  Dock,  (Rumex  obtusifolius,)  is  one  of  the 
most  pernicious  of  weeds.  It  always  prefers  cultivated 
places,  and  the  best  soil  in  the  neighborhood.  Any  rich 
neglected  spot,  which  has  once  been  occupied,  is  sure  to  be 
o^  errun  with  this  plant.  It  is  not  a  native  of  our  country,  but 
has  been  introduced  from  Europe,  in  every  country  of  which 
it  is  to  be  found.  In  this  country  this  species  grows  from 
two  to  five  feet  high ;  leaves  oblong-cordate,  obtuse,  the 
edges  crenate.  All  the  species  of  this  genus  produce  large 
quantities  of  seed,  by  which  new  plants  are  propagated  from 
year  to  year,  and  unless  the  young  plants  are  destroyed  the 
first  year,  by  being  pulled  up  by  the  roots,  they  shoot  so  deep 
as  to  make  it  difficult  to  do  this  afterwards.  These  roots  are 
so  tenacious  of  life,  and  so  prolific,  that  when  cut  in  pieces, 
they  will  not  only  grow  again,  but  each  piece  will  produce  a 
new  plant. 

CLASS  VII.— HEPTANDRIA.     Stamens  7.     Orders  4. 

Fig.  G. 
b 

This  is  a  small  class,  and  contains 
no  genera  of  any  considerable  impor- 
tance. The  Horse  Chestnut,  and  the 
Trientalis  are  among  the  best  known. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.  Stamens  7.  Style  1. 
GENUS  jEsculus.  Horse  Chestnut.  Esculus,  was  the 
name  of  a  tree  which  furnished  the  Latins  with  an  esculent, 
or  eatable  nut.  It  is  called  Horse  Chestnut,  (Hippocasta- 
num,)  because  this  nut  was  formerly  employed  as  a  medi- 
cine for  horses.  There  are  several  species  of  this  genus,  of 
which  the  Esculus  hippocastanum,  or  common  Horse  Chest- 
nut, is  the  largest  and  most  beautiful.  This  tree  came  ori- 
ginally from  the  northern  parts  of  Asia,  and  has  migrated 
to  this  country  by  the  way  of  Constantinople,  Vienna,  Italy, 

What  is  the  botanical  name  of  dock  ?     Is  dock  a  native  of  America,  or 
not  ?     What  is  the  origin  of  the  name  horse  chestnut  ? 


140  HEPTANDR1A. 

France  and  England.  The  Horse  Chestnut  is  magnificent 
from  its  size,  and  form,  and  when  in  blossom,  few  trees  can 
compare  with  it  in  beauty.  The  contrast  between  its  spikes 
of  delicate  white  and  pink  flowers,  and  the  deep  green  of  its 
noble  digitated  leaves,  produces  a  charming  effect.  Consid- 
ering the  rapidity  of  its  growth,  and  cleanliness,  perhaps 
there  are  few  trees  better  adapted  to  avenue  and  street  or- 
nament than  this.  The  nuts,  or  capsules,  are  large  and  ma- 
hogany colored,  and  form  a  fine  looking  fruit.  But  its  taste 
is  astringent  and  disagreeable,  being  obviously  not  formed  for 
the  food  of  man.  It  is  said,  however,  that  deer  eat  them  with 
avidity,  and  that  in  Turkey  they  are  ground,  and  mixed  with 
provender  for  the  food  of  horses. 

GENUS  Trientalis.  Name,  from  the  Latin,  tricns,  the 
third  of  a  thing ;  but  why  so  named  no  one  seems  to  know. 
Trientalis  Americana,  has  oblong  lanceolate  leaves,  which 
grow  in  a  whorl  at  the  top  of  the  stem.  The  plant  is  about 
six  inches  high,  and  above  the  whorl  of  leaves  ascends  a 
filiform  peduncle,  bearing  a  delicate  white  flower  consisting 
of  seven  ovate  acuminate  petals.  The  divisions  of  the  ca- 
lyx, the  number  of  petals  in  the  flower,  and  the  number  of 
leaves  in  the  whorl,  are  each  most  commonly  seven.  It  is 
common  in  damp  woods,  among  Pine  trees,  and  flowers  in 
May  and  June. 

ORDER  II. —  DIGYNIA.     Stamens  7.     Styles  2. 

This  order  contains  only  one  genus,  Limeum,  a  poisonous 
African  plant. 

ORDER  III. — TETRAGYNIA.     Stamens  7.     Styles  3. 

This  order  contains  two  or  three  genera  only,  and  these  of 
no  use  or  interest. 

ORDER  IV. — HEPTAGYNIA.     Stamens  7.     Styles  7. 

GENUS  Septas.  Name,  from  septem,  seven,  by  which 
number  it  is  well  characterized.  It  is  a  little  plant  from 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  with  umbels  of  white  flowers,  each 
flower  having  its  calyx  in  seven  segments,  with  seven  petals, 
seven  germens,  and  consequently  seven  capsules. 

What  is  said  of  the  horse  chestnut,  as  an  ornamental  tree  ? 


OCTANDRJA. 


141 


Style  1. 

from   trop&um, 


Fig.  165. 


CLASS  VIII.— OCTANDRIA.     Stamens  8.     Orders  4. 
The  word  Octandria  signifies  eight  sta-  Fis-  H- 

mens.  This  is  not  a  large  class,  but  it  con- 
tains several  important  plants,  both  to  the 
gardener  and  botanist.  The  Jeffersonia, 
whose  lid  opens  like  a  snuff  box,  and 
Heath,  Whortleberry,  Daphne,  and  Nastur- 
tium genera  belong  here. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.     Stamens  8. 

GENUS  Tropcelum.  Nasturtium.  Name 
a  trophy,  because  the  leaf  resembles  a  shield,  and  the  flower 
a  golden  helmet,  sometimes  stained  with  blood,  these  warlike 
instruments  being  carried  at  the  celebration  of  ancient  tro- 
phies. The  Nasturtium  is  a  well  known  climbing  plant,  the 
seeds  of  which  are  pickled,  and  used  as  substitute  for  capers, 
to  which,  by  many,  they  are  preferred.  In  the  evening,  the 
flowers  of  this  plant  emit,  spontaneously,  at  intervals,  sparks 
of  visible  light,  like  the  faint  flashes  from  an  electrical  ma- 
chine. The  daughter  of  Linnaeus  first  observed  this  curious 
fact. 

GENUS  Erica,  Fig.  165.  Heath.  Name, 
from  eriko,  to  break,  because  the  branches  of 
these  plants  are  very  brittle.  This  is  a  vast 
genus,  of  which  London's  Encyclopedia  of 
Plants  contains  the  description  of  about  400 
species,  several  of  which  abound  in  the  waste 
lands  of  every  part  of  Europe.  But  not  a 
single  species  of  heath  has  ever  been  discov- 
ered in  the  New  World.  The  greatest  num- 
ber of  species  grow  to  the  height  of  about  two 
feet ;  several  rise  no  higher  than  six  or  eight 
inches,  and  a  single  species  called  the  lofty, 
grows  six  feet  high.  In  nearly  all  the  species, 
the  stems  and  branches  are  closely  beset 
with  fine  leaves,  as  in  the  species  physodes, 
Fig.  1 65  :  the  sepals  are  four,  and  the  corollas  are  four 
cleft.  The  flowers  of  a  majority  of  the  species  are  white, 
or  red ;  many,  ho  we  vet,  are  pink,  purple,  &c.  The  corol- 
las are  mostly  of  the  ovate  or  bell  shaped  form,  and  hang 

What  is  said  of  the  extent  of  the  class  Octandria  ?  What  genera  are 
mentioned  as  belonging  here  ?  What  is  the  origin  of  the  name  Tro- 
ixBlum  1  What  is  said  of  the  number  of  species  belonging  to  the  genus 


142  OCTANDRIA. 

pendulous  like  those  of  the  Whortleberry  genus,  which  they 
often  nearly  resemble  in  appearance.  They  are  persistent, 
that  is,  they  remain  some  time  without  falling  off,  or  wither- 
ing. All  the  species  are  evergreen  shrubs.  Only  three  or 
four  species  are  natives  of  Great  Britain,  but  these  are  quite 
common  in  all  the  northern  parts  of  that  country,  and  are  em- 
ployed by  the  poorer  classes,  for  various  useful  purposes. 
The  walls  of  their  cabins  are  constructed  of  alternate  layers 
of  Heath  and  earth,  and  their  roofs  are  covered  with  a  thatch 
of  this  plant  instead  of  straw. 

The  hardy  Highlanders  frequently  make  their  beds  of  it, 
and  in  the  Western  Isles  they  make  a  yellow  dye  for  their  yarn 
of  the  same.  It  is  said,  also,  that  in  some  of  the  Isles,  the 
people  tan  their  leather  with  a  decoction  of  this  plant,  and  in 
many  parts  of  Great  Britain  besoms  are  made  of  it.  With 
the  exception  of  these  three  or  four  native  species,  all  the 
Heaths  now  cultivated  in  Great  Britain,  and  America,  amount- 
ing to  nearly  400  kinds,  were  originally  imported  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  are  green-house  plants.  They 
were  sent  from  the  Cape  to  England,  from  time  to  time,  but  all 
during  the  reign  of  George  III.  The  only  soil  in  which  this 
plant  grows  well,  is  peat.  If  any  substitute  has  been  found, 
it  is  leaf  mould,  or  the  decayed  leaves  of  trees  from  the 
woods,  dried  and  sifted,  and  then  mixed  with  fine  sand.  The 
Heath  is  becoming  a  fashionable  hot  house  ornament  in  this 
country,  but  is  often  spoiled  for  want  of  attention  to  the  soil  in 
which  it  grows. 

GENUS  Jeffersonia.  Twin-leaf.  The  generic  name  is  in 
honor  of  the  late  president  Jefferson.  It  is  a  small  plant, 
growing  about  six  inches  high,  with  five  colored  sepals,  and 
eight  petals.  The  leaves  are  in  pairs.  It  is  remarkable, 
chiefly  for  the  peculiar  manner  in  which  its  capsules  open, 
being  similar  to  that  of  a  snuff  box. 

GENUS  Daphne.  This  is  the  Greek  name  for  the  Laurel. 
This  genus,  of  which  there  are  a  considerable  number  of 
species,  consists  chiefly  of  diminutive  evergreen  shrubs,  sev- 
eral of  them  of  great  beauty,  and  bearing  highly  fragrant 
flowers.  Linnaeus  remarks  that  the  terminating  buds  of 
this  genus  produce  leaves,  and  the  lateral  ones  flowers, 
hence  the  shoots  ought  not  to  be  pruned.  The  Mezereon 
is  a  species  of  this  genus.  It  is  remarkably  hot  and  acrid, 

What  is  said  of  the  uses  of  the  Heath  in  the  Highlands  of  Scotland  ? 
From  what  country  have  the  Heaths  been  chiefly  derived  ?  Whence  does 
the  genus  Jeffersonia  derive  its  name  ?  What  is-saiti  of  the  genus  Daphne  ? 


ENNEANDRIA.  143 

especially  the  root,  and  has  long  been  a  popular  remedy  for 
the  toothache.  The  plant  grows  about  four  feet  high,  bears 
sessile  pink  flowers,  and  lanceolate  leaves.  The  bark  is 
employed  by  the  French  surgeons  as  an  escharotic,  to  pro- 
duce what  is  equivalent  to  a  perpetual  blister.  It  is  a  native 
of  most  parts  of  Europe,  but  it  is  believed  not  of  North 
America. 

ORDER  II. — DIGYNIA.      Stamens  8.      Styles  2. 
This  order  contains  nothing  worthy  of  notice. 

ORDER  III. — TRIGYNIA.     Stamens  8.     Styles  3. 
This  order  contains  the  genus  Polygonum,  which  consists 
chiefly  of  common  weeds.     Several  of  the  species  are  fre- 
quent in  our  gardens,  and   are  known  under  the  names  of 
Knot  Grass,  Scratch  Grass,  Water  Pepper,  <fyc. 

ORDER  IV. — TETRAGYNIA.      Stamens  8.     Styles  4. 
This  order  is  also  barren  of  any  interesting  plants. 
CLASS  IX.— ENNEANDRIA.     Stamens  9.     Orders  3. 

The  name  of  this  class   comes  from  Fis-  i- 

ennea,  nine,  and  aner,  a  stamen,  and  sig- 
nifies nine  stamens.  This  is  one  of  the 
smallest  classes  in  the  whole  Linnaean 
System,  there  being  only  a  few  plants 
having  nine  stamens,  and  no  more.  It 
however  contains  three  valuable  genera, 
the  Cinnamon  tree,  the  Rhubarb,  and 
Cashew-nut. 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.  Stamens  9.  Style  1. 
GENUS  Laurus.  Cinnamon.  The  name  Laurus  is  derived 
from  the  Celtic,  and  signifies  green,  in  reference  to  the 
perennial  color  of  the  genus.  This  genus  contains  some  of 
the  most  celebrated  and  important  among  the  fragrant  and 
spice  bearing  trees,  as  the  Camphor  tree,  Cinnamon  tree,  and 
some  others.  The  species  are  chiefly  trees  of  large  size, 
some  of  them;  as  the  Sassafras,  Cassia,  and  others,  growing  to 
the  height  of  from  60  to  80  feet.  Some,  however^  are  only 
shrubs,  growing  no  higher  than  five  or  six  feet.  All  the 
species,  except  the  Sassafras  of  this  country,  are  evergreen 
plants. 

What  does  the  name  of  the  9th  class  signify  ?  What  is  said  of  the  ex- 
tent of  the  class  Enneandria,  and  the  number  of  valuable  plants  it.  con- 
fains  ?  What  is  said  of  the  genus  Laurus  ? 


144 


ENNEANDRIA. 


The  Cinnamon  tree,  (Laurus  cinamo-  Fis- 167- 

mum,)  grows  20  feet  high,  has  a  smooth, 
ash-colored  bark,  with  ovate  lanceolate, 
reticulated  leaves.  The  flowers  are 
small  and  make  no  show.  (See  the 
figure,  which  represents  only  a  branch.) 
The  fruit  is  about  the  size  of  an  olive,  or 
small  filbert,  soft,  insipid,  and  of  a  deep 
blue,  resembling  in  color  some  kinds  of 
plum.  This  pericarp  incloses  a  nut,  the 
kernel  of  which  germinates  soon  after  it 
falls,  and  therefore  cannot  easily  be 
transported  to  a  distance.  The  inner 
bark  of  this  tree  forms  the  well  known 
spice  called  Cinnamon.  This  tree  is  a  native  of  Ceylon, 
Malabar,  Sumatra,  and  other  Eastern,  warm  climates.  The 
barking  commences  in  May  and  continues  until  October. 
For  this  purpose  branches  of  three  years  old  are  cut  off,  and 
longitudinal  incisions  are  made  on  each  side  of  the  shoot,  so 
that  the  bark  can  be  loosened  and  taken  off  entire.  These 
strips  are  then  laid  in  bundles,  and  allowed  to  ferment,  until 
the  outer  and  inner  layers  can  be  separated.  The  inner  bark 
which  forms  the  Cinnamon,  is  next  allowed  to  dry;  by  which 
it  contracts,  and  takes  the  quilled  form,  after  which  the  smaller 
pieces  are  put  within  the  larger  ones,  and  th<>  whole  being 
tied  in  bundles,  is  ready  for  sale. 

The  Camphor  tree,  (Laurus  camphora,)  is  very  nearly 
allied  to  the  Cinnamon  tree,  the  appearance  of  the  two  de- 
noting that  they  belong  to  the  same  family.  The  roots, 
leaves,  and  wood  of  this  tree,  when  rubbed,  or  heated,  emit 
a  strong  odor  of  camphor,  every  part  of  the  tree  also  tastes 
of  that  peculiar  substance.  The  mode  of  obtaining  the 
camphor  is  quite  simple.  The  roots,  and  smaller  branches 
being  chopped  into  small  pieces,  are  placed  in  a  net,  and 
suspended  in  a  retort,  or  iron  pot,  with  some  water  at  the 
bottom.  To  the  retort  is  fitted  a  head,  or  capital,  with  a 
spout  resembling  that  of  a  still.  The  head  contains  a  quan- 
tity of  straw.  On  the  application  of  heat  to  the  bottom  of 
the  retort,  the  steam  of  the  water  penetrating  the  contents 
of  the  net,  extracts  the  camphor,  which,  rising  with  the 
steam,  is  deposited  on  the  straw,  while  the  condensed  wa- 


What  is  the  mode  of  gathering  and  curing  the  cinnamon  bark  ? 
•8  the  mode  of  obtaining  camphor  ? 


What 


ENNEANDRIA.  145 

ter  passes  off  at  the  spout.     It  is  afterwards  purified  by  sub 
li. nation  in  a  close  vessel. 

GENUS  Anacardium.  Cashew-nut.  The  name  of  the  £n- 
nus  is  compounded  of  the  Greek,  ana,  (in  composition,)  like, 
and  kardia,  the  heart,  in  allusion  to  the  form  of  the  nut 
This  is  a  small,  but  elegant  tree,  bearing  corymbs  of  sweet 
smelling  flowers.  The  fruit  is  red,  or  F'l%- 

yellow,  and  shaped  like  a  pear.  Fig. 
168.  Its  taste  is  a  little  acid,  and  as- 
tringent, but  very  agreeable.  The  juice 
being  expressed  and  fermented,  makes 
an  agreeable  wine,  and  when  distilled  a 
spirit  is  drawn  from  it  which  is  highly 
esteemed  among  the  lovers  of  strong 
drink.  The  nut,  which  is  the  part  of 
the  fruit  best  known  abroad,  and  from 
which  the  species  takes  its  name,  is  a 
singular  and  odd  looking  appendage  to 
the  pome.  It  is  appended  to,  or  perhaps  protrudes  from  the 
base  of  the  fruit,  as  represented  by  the  figure.  The  shape  is 
rather  that  of  a  kidney  than  a  heart.  The  shell  which  en- 
closes the  kernel  contains  a  thick  inflammable  oil,  which  is 
extremely  caustic,  as  those  who  have  cracked  these  nuts  with 
their  teeth  have  often  found.  This  oil  when  extracted,  is  a 
remedy  for  corns,  ringworms,  &c.  The  kernel,  when  fresh, 
is  perfectly  wholesome,  and  has  a  most  delicious  taste.  This 
tree  grows  in  hot  climates,  as  India,  and  the  West  Indies. 

ORDER  III. —  TRIGYNIA.      Stamens  9.      Styles  3. 

(Tfcere  are  no  plants  with  9  stamens  and  2  pistils,  and 
therefore  the  second  order  is  here  omitted.) 

GENUS  Rheum.  Rhubarb.  Rheum  comes  from  Rha,  the 
ancient  name  of  the  river  Volga,  on  the  banks  of  which, 
this  plant  appears  to  have  been  first  discovered.  It  is  the 
only  genus  of  this  order.  Common  Rhubarb,  (Rheum  rha- 
ponticum,)  is  extensively  cultivated  in  gardens,  for  the  sake 
of  its  petioles,  which  are  used  in  making  pies  and  tart&. 
When  the  leaves  are  full  grown,  one  half  of  them  may  be 
cut  off  at  a  time,  taking  the  foot  stalk  near  the  ground.  The 

In  what  manner  does  the  cashew-nut  grow  ?     Why  is  the  2nd  order  of 
this  class  omitted  ?     How  does  the  genus  Rheum  derive  its  name  ?   What 
are  the  uses  of  rhubarb  ? 
13 


140  PECANDRIA. 

leaves  pioper  are  next  cut  off  and  thrown  away,  and  the  peti- 
oles stripped  of  their  external  fibrous  coverings.  The  ileshy 
part  which  remains,  is  then  cut  into  short  pieces,  well  sea 
soned,  and  made  into  pies,  or  tarts ;  and  there  are  lew  who 
having  tasted  them  will  desire  better.  It  is  common  to  let 
the  plants  grow  in  the  open  air,  but  they  may  be  brought  for- 
ward earlier,  as  well  as  greatly  improved  in  quantity  and 
taste,  by  the  following  method.  As  early  as  possible  in  the 
spring,  place  a  barrel,  or  half-barrel,  over  the  plant,  and  sur- 
round this  with  manure  in  a  state  of  fermentation.  By  this 
means,  the  plant  will  not  only  be  hastened  in  its  growth,  by 
the  warmth  of  the  manure,  but  will  also  be  blanched,  and 
made  more  delicate  in  appearance  and  taste.  A  part  of  the 
head  of  the  barrel  must  be  in  a  state  to  be  removed,  so  that 
the  plant  can  be  examined,  and  its  leaves  cut  off  when  tit  lor 
use.  It  is  also  necessary  that  a  small  aperture  should  be 
left  at  all  times  for  the  benefit  of  the  air.  The  Rheum  palma- 
tvm,  is  the  species  which  is  so  valuable  as  a  medicine.  It 
is  said  that  any  of  the  species  may  be  cultivated  for  the  table. 

ORDER  IV. — TETRAGYNIA.     Stamens  9.     Styles  4. 
This  order  contains  an  aquatic  plant  common  in  England* 
called  Flowering  Rush,   (Butomus   umbtllatus.)  which  is  aii 
ornament  to  pools  and  rivers. 

CLASS  X.— DECANDRIA.     Stamens  10.     Orders  5. 

The  name  of  this  class  is   from  the  Fis- K- 

Greek,  deka,  ten,  and  aner,  a  stamen,  and 
signifies  ten  stamens.  This  is  the  last 
of  the  Linnaean  classes  in  which  the  sta- 
mens are  distinct,  and  bear  any  determi- 
nate relation  to  the  other  parts  of  the  flow- 
er. The  stamens  in  this  class  must  not 
only  be  ten,  but  they  must  also  be  separate  and  distinct. 
The  papilionaceous  flowers  belong  to  class  1 7th,  Diadelphia, 
only  when  their  styles  are  united.  When,  therefore",  the 
flower  has  ten  stamens,  all  distinct,  and  separate,  it  belongs 
to  the  present  class,  but  if  they  are  united  at  the  base,  into 
two  sets,  having  the  butterfly-shaped  corolla,  it  is  called  a 
Diadelphous  plant. 

What  does  the  name  of  the  class  Decandria  signify  ?  How  are  the 
plants  of  this  class  distinguished  from  those  of  the  class  Diadelphia? 
What  is  said  of  the  extent  of  the  10th  class  ? 


DECANDRLA.  147 

Decandria  is  a  class  of  considerable  extent,  and  contains 
portions  of  several  natural  orders,  of  which  the  most  import- 
ant is  the  Leguminosa,  or  plants  bearing  pods  without  a  lon- 
gitudinal partition,  as  the  Cassia,  Bean,  and  Pea. — Most  of 
the  plants  of  this  description,  which  fall  within  this  class,  are 
ratives  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  or  New  Holland  ;  and 
many  of  them  are  highly  ornamental.  This  class  also  in- 
cludes the  trees  which  produce  Logwood  and  Mahogany, 
articles  of  great  importance  in  the  arts  and  ornaments  of  life. 
The  beautiful  genera,  Kalmia,  Rhododendron,  and  Andro- 
meda, likewise  belong  here,  as  does  the  Dianthus,  of  which 
the  Carnation  is  a  species 

ORDER  I. — MONOGYNIA.     Stamens  10.     Style  1. 

GENUS  Cassia.  This  genus  contains  at  least  sixty  species, 
none  of  which,  however,  except  the  Senna,  (Cassia  orienta- 
lis,)  are  of  any  considerable  consequence.  Of  this  genus 
we  have  four  or  five  species,  growing  wild  in  New  England. 

GENUS  Swetenia.  Fig.  170.  Mahogany  tree.  Tnis  ge- 
nus was  named  after  Von  Sweiten,  who  persuaded  Maria 
Theresa,  Empress  of  Germany,  to  found  the  botanic  garden 
of  Vienna.  The  Mahogany  tree,  (Swetenia  mahogani,)  is  a 
tree  of  the  first  magnitude,  growing  from  80  to  1 00  feet  high. 
The  trunk  is  sometimes  very  large,  being  near  the  ground 
four  or  five  feet  in  diameter.  The  branches  are  numerous 
and  spreading.  Leaves  pinnate,  in 
four  pairs,  as  in  the  figure  :  the  leaf- 
lets oblong  ovate  ;  flowers  in  pani- 
cles. Mahogany  is  preferred  to  all 
other  woods  for  certain  kinds  of 
cabinet  work,  not  only  on  account 
of  its  beauty,  but  because  it  is  not 
liable  to  shrink  and  swell  with  the 
variations  of  moisture  and  dryness, 
like  .most  other  woods.  It  grows 
in  the  hottest  parts  of  America,  as 
Cuba,  Hispaniola,  and  the  Bahama  Isles.  The  best  is  said 
to  grow  on  rocks,  where  there  is  little  nourishment,  and  a  dry 
soil,  and  to  come  from  the  bay  of  Honduras. 

What  important  tribes  and  genera  are  mentioned  as  belonging  to  this 
class?     In  what  respect  is  Swetenia  an  important  genus  ?     Why  is  ma 
hogany  preferred  to  all  other  kinds  of  wood  for  cabinet  furniture  ? 


148 


DEOANDRIA. 


Fig.  171. 


(TENTHS  Quassia.  It  was  so  named  by  Linnaeus,  in  memory 
of  Quassi,  a  negro  slave  of  Surinam,  who  had  employed  it 
in  curing  a  malignant  fever  which  raged  there.  Bitter  Quas 
sia,  (Quassia  amara,)  is  well  known  as  the  purest  of  all  tonic 
bitters,  and  is  universally  employed  in  medicine.  The  Quas- 
sia tree  is  lofty,  and  strongly  branched,  with  bark  and  leaves 
resembling  those  of  common  Ash.  The  flowers  are  in  ter 
minal  racemes,  and  of  a  bright  red  color.  All  parts  of  the 
tree,  and  root,  are  intensely  bitter.  It  is  a  native  of  the  hot- 
test parts  of  America. 

GENUS  Dionaa.  Fig.  171.  Venus' 
Fly-trap,  (Dionaea  muscipula,)  is  a  singu- 
lar plant,  having  leaves  which  catch  and 
retain  flies  and  other  insects,  and  hence  its 
trivial  name.  The  plant  consists  of  a 
single  stalk,  rising  from  the  midst  of  radi- 
cal leaves,  about  eight  inches  high,  and 
terminated  by  a  corymb  of  white  flowers. 
The  leaves  have  winged  petioles,  like 
those  of  the  Seville  Orange.  The  ex- 
treme part  of  the  leaf  proper,  which  is 
nearly  in  the  form  of  two  oblong  circles, 
is  the  part  that  operates  as  the  trap.  See  the  figure.  These 
parts,  or  lobes,  collapse,  or  fold  themselves  together,  when 
they  are  irritated  or  touched.  Hence,  when  an  insect  crawls 
between  the  lobes,  it  is  entrapped,  and  detained.  Linnaeus 
says,  that  when  the  insect  ceases  to  struggle,  the  leaf  opens 
and  lets  it  escape.  But  Ellis  says,  the  leaf  never  opens  so 
long  as  the  insect  remains  there.  A  sweet  liquor,  which  the 
leaf  secretes,  tempts  the  insect  to  its  destruction.  This  plant 
is  a  native  of  Carolina,  and  is  cultivated  in  the  green  houses 
of  our  climate. 

GENUS  Kalmia.  Laurel.  Calico  bush.  The  generic 
name  is  in  honor  of  Peter  Kalm,  professor  at  Abo,  in  Swe- 
den, and  author  of  Travels  in  North  America.  The  species 
are  well  known  and  very  beautiful  evergreen  shrubs,  which, 
says  Loudon,  deserve  a  place  in  every  American  ground. 
The  common  Laurel,  (Kalmia  latifolia,)  called  also  Ivy,  is  a 
native  of  most  parts  of  New  England,  though  found  only  in 
particular  places,  chiefly  among  rocks,  and  on  barren  soils. 

How  did  the  genus  Quassia  obtain  its  name  ?  What  is  the  peculiarity 
of  dionsea  muscipula  1  How  did  the  genus  Kalmia  obtain  its  name? 
What  are  the  common  names  of  this  genus  ? 


DECANDRIA.  149 

It  grows  eight  or  ten  feet  high;  leaves  ovate  elliptical,  and 
leathery  ;  flowers  pale  red,  or  sometimes  nearly  white,  and 
in  dense  terminal  corymbs.  When  in  flower,  it  is  among  our 
gayest  native  shrubs.  The  leaves  are  undoubtedly  poison- 
ous. A  few  drops  of  the  tincture  poured  on  a  rattlesnake, 
( Crotalus  horridus,)  is  said  to  have  killed  the  reptile  in  a  short 
time. 

GENUS  Rhododendron.  Name,  from  the  Greek,  rhodon,  a 
rose,  and  dendron,  a  tree,  because  the  flowers  resemble,  in 
color,  bunches  of  roses.  The  species  are  superb  evergreen 
shrubs. 

There  is  a  considerable  number  of  species,  and  several  va- 
rieties of  this  plant,  four  of  which  are  natives  of  North 
America.  The  Rosebay  Laurel,  (Rhododendron  maximum,)  a 
native  of  the  Middle  and  Northern  States,  rises  to  the  height 
of  twenty  feet,  and  is  not  surpassed  in  elegance  or  beauty  by 
any  American  shrub.  The  leaves  are  large,  oblong,  smooth, 
leathery,  and  of  a  deep  green  ;  flowers  in  pink  colored  ter- 
minal umbels,  which  are  large  and  compact.  It  may  be  prop- 
agated by  the  seeds,  or  roots. 

ORDER  II. — DIGYNIA.     Stamens  10,     Styles  2. 

GENUS  Hydrangea.  Name,  from  udor,  water,  and  aggeion, 
a  vessel.  The  garden  species,  from  which  the  genus  appears 
to  have  been  named,  is  a  marsh  plant,  and  thrives  best  where 
there  is  much  water.  Loudon  says,  that  a  large  plant,  in 
summer,  will  consume  ten  or  twelve  gallons  of  water  per  day. 
The  Changeable  Hydrangea,  (H.  Hortensis,)  is  much  ad- 
mired on  account  of  its  profusion  of  pink  flowers,  and  is  a 
common  shrub  in  our  gardens.  The  flowers,  like  those  of 
the  Snowball,  are  monsters,  producing  no  seed.  It  is  said 
that  this  plant  will  produce  blue  flowers  by  watering  the 
young  plant  the  year  before  with  alum  water. 

This  plant  has  not  been  found  by  any  botanist  in  its  wild 
state,  but  is  extensively  cultivated  in  the  gardens  of  China, 
and  Japan,  from  whence  it  was  introduced  into  England,  by 
Sir  Joseph  Banks,  in  1788. 

GENUS  Dianthus.  Pink.  Name,  from  the  Greek,  Dios, 
and  anthos,  divine  flower,  so  named  on  account  of  its  pre-emi- 
nent beauty  and  fragrance.  Of  this  beautiful  genus  there  are 
about  fifty  species,  most  of  which  are  cultivated,  and  many 

What  does  the  word  rhododendron  signify  ?     What  is  said  of  the  genus 
hydrangea  1     Whence  does  the  dianthus  derive  its  name  ? 
13* 


150  DECANDRTA. 

of  them  are  favorite  flowers  in  nearly  all  parts  of  the  world 
The  creative  hand  has  indeed  bestowed  on  this  genus,  in  a 
remarkable  degree,  those  qualities  which  make  its  species 
generally  admired  by  man.  The  beauty  of  form  and  color, 
and  the  perfect  gratefulness  of  its  fragrance,  together  with 
the  ease  with  which  it  is  cultivated,  will  always  give  the  Car- 
nation a  place  among  the  most  favored  productions  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom.  All  the  species  of  this  genus  are  ever- 
green herbaceous  plants.  They  vary  in  height  from  that  of 
the  small  flowered  Pink,  which  is  only  six  inches  high,  to  that 
of  the  Tree-Carnation,  which  is  three  feet  and  upwards. 
One  or  more  of  the  species  are  natives  of  nearly  every  coun- 
try in  Europe,  and  one  is  from  China,  one  from  Africa,  and 
one  from  North  America.  Of  the  Carnation,  which  is  con- 
sidered the  finest  species,  there  were  400  named  varieties 
which  were  cultivated  more  than  a  century  ago,  and  this  num- 
ber is  said  not  to  have  diminished  since  that  time.  The  va- 
riegated colors,  whatever  they  may  be,  are  most  esteemed, 
when  they  are  perfectly  distinct,  that  is,  not  blended  or 
shaded  with  each  other.  Their  disposition  is  also  a  matter  of 
consequence  among  amateurs  and  florists.  They  should  be 
in  regular  stripes,  broadest  at  the  edge  of  the  lamina,  or 
widest  part  of  the  petal,  and  gradually  becoming  narrower,  as 
they  approach  the  claw,  or  base  of  the  petal,  and  there  ter- 
minating in  a  fine  point.  Each  petal  should  also  have  a  due 
proportion  of  white,  that  is,  one  half,  or  nearly  so,  and  this 
should  be  perfectly  clear  and  free  from  spots.  By  such  marks 
do  florists  judge  of  the  beauty  and  value  of  these  flowers. 

ORDER  III.— TRIGYNIA.     Stamens  10.     Styles  3. 

To  this  order  belong  the  genera  Arenaria,  (Sandwort,) 
Stellaria,  (Chickweed,)  Silene,  (Catchfly,)  and  Cucubalus, 
(Campion,)  none  of  them  plants  of  any  considerable  beauty 
or  value.  The  Chickweed  is  a  most  vexatious  little  creep- 
ing plant,  especially  in  rich  gardens.  It  grows  under  the 
snow,  and  flowers  most  of  the  year,  and  when  established,  T 
believe  no  human  means  can  eradicate  it. 

ORDER  IV. — PENTAGYNIA.     Stamens  10.     Styles  5. 
GENUS  Oxalis.     Sorrel.     This  is  a  tribe  of  small,  mostly 


What  is  said  of  the  qualities  and  beauties  of  the  genus  Dianthus  ? 


DODECANDRIA.  151 

bulbous  rooted  plants,  which  are  without  their  leaves  about 
one  half  the  year.  It  is  a  large  genus,  the  known  species 
which  grow  in  Great  Britain  alone,  amounting  to  ninety-six. 
Some  of  them  have  scapes,  and  others  have  proper  stems, 
and  they  nearly  all  are  acid  to  the  taste.  The  juice  of  com- 
mon Sorrel,  (Oxalis  acetosella,)  being  expressed  and  evapo- 
rated, yields  crystals  of  oxalic  acid,  which  in  solution  is  em- 
ployed to  remove  stains  from  linen.  Several  of  them  are 
pretty  ornamental  flowers 

ORDER  V. — DECAGYNIA.     Stamens  10.     Styles.  10. 

GENUS  Phytolacca.  Name,  from  the  Greek,  phuton,  a  plant, 
and  the  Latin,  lacca,  lac  ;  that  is  to  say,  a  plant  whose  fruit 
gives  a  red  color,  like  lac.  There  are  several  species  of  this 
genus,  one  of  which  is  common  in  this  country,  and  is  known 
by  the  trivial  name  of  Poke,  or  Cocum.  It  is  the  Phytolac- 
ca Decandria  of  botanists.  Loudon  says,  that  the  name  Poke, 
is  a  corruption  of  Pocan,  the  name  by  which  this  plant  was 
known  in  Virginia.  The  Poke  is  a  very  conspicuous  plant 
by  road  sides,  and  waste  grounds,  growing  six  or  eight  feet 
high,  with  purple  stems  and  large  ovate  leaves.  Flowers  in 
long  white  racemes,  succeeded  by  flat  red  berries.  The 
juice  of  these  berries  stains  a  deep  purple,  and  is  often  used 
by  children  to  paint  their  faces.  In  the  fall  of  the  year,  the 
robins  and  other  birds  take  great  delight  in  eating  this  fruit. 

CLASS  XL— DODECANDRIA.     Stamens  12.     Orders  6. 

This,  remarks  Mr.  Loudon,  "  is  a  Fls- 

small  incongruous  class,  containing  no 
extensive  genus  of  importance,  except 
Euphorbia.       Some    botanists    have 
been  of  opinion  that  it  ought  to   be 
cancelled,  but  it  is  probable  that  Lin- 
iseus  understood  the  application  of  his 
own  principles,  as  well   as  some  of 
his  more  pretending  followers,  and  it  is 
certain  that  if  the  Linnaean  plan  can  be  made  to  act  success 
fully,  its  artificial  arrangement  must  be  rigorously  observed.'* 
Its  name  is  from  the  Greek,  dodeka,  twelve,  arid  aner,  a 
stamen,  and  therefore  signifies  twelve  stamens.     But  it  will 

What  is  said  of  the  genus  Oxalis  ? 


152 


DODECANDRIA. 


be  found  in  practice,  that  many  plants,  whose  flowers,  in 
other  respects,  agree  with  the  description  of  this  Class  bet- 
ter than  with  any  other,  have  from  12  to  19  stamens.  It 
will  be  remembered,  that  the  stamens  of  this  class  must  be 
separate,  and  riot  united  by  their  filaments  into  one  or  two 
sets. 

ORDER  I — MONOGYNIA. 


Stamens.  12. 
No  plants  of  consequence  belong  here. 


Style  1. 


ORDER  II. — DIGYINIA.     Stamens  12.     Styles  2. 

GENUS  Agrimojiia.  Agrimony.  Common  Agrimony,  (Ag- 
rimonia  eupatoria,}  rises  to  the  height  of  two  or  three  feet. 
Leaves  interruptedly  pinnate,  leaflets  oblong  ovate,  and  ser- 
rate. Spikes  of  flowers  elevated,  the  flowers  scattered  and 
yellow.  It  is  a  common  plant  about  fences,  and  road  sides, 
and  was  formerly  used  as  a  tonic  in  medicine. 

ORDER  III. — TRIGYNIA.     Stamens  12.     Styles  3. 

GENUS  Reseda.  Name,  from  the  Latin,  rcsedo,  to  calm,  or 
appease,  because  it  was  formerly  thought  a  remedy  for  the 
pain  of  a  bruise,  or  wound.  This  plant  is  a  native  of  various 
parts  of  Europe.  The  species  Luteola  is  called  Dyers'  Weed, 
because  it  affords  a  most  useful  yellow  color,  Fig.  173. 

and  is  much  employed,  especially  in  France, 
as  a  coloring  plant. 

The  yellow  color  of  the  paint  called  Dutch 
pink,  is  obtained  from  this  plant.  This  Re- 
seda grows  about  two  feet  high,  and  produ- 
ces a  long  spike  of  flowers  without  petals. 
Fig.  173.  Reseda  odora,  which  is  well 
known  under  the  name  Mignonette,  is  a  spe- 
cies of  this  genus.  In  London  this  is  said  to 
be  among  the  most  fashionable  odoriferous 
plants,  and  to  be  in  great  demand  for  rooms, 
balconies,  &c.  It  therefore  forms  an  exten- 
sive article  of  culture  among  florists,  and 
market  gardeners  in  the  vicinity  of  that  city. 
The  plants  for  this  purpose  are  transferred  to 
pots,  each  pot  of  four  inches  in  diameter  containing  foui 
plants.  To  obtain  plants  for  blowing,  from  December  to 

How  many  stamens  has  the  class  Dodecandria  ?    In  this  class  are  the  fila- 
ments separate  or  united  ?     What  is  fhe  botanical  name  of  mignonette  ? 


DODECANDRIA.  153 

February,  the  seeds  should  be  sown  in  Jaly,  and  the  plants 
potted  in  September. 

The  inflorescence  of  this  genus  is  very  peculiar,  and  has 
afforded  disputes  among  botanists  as  to  its  nature.  On  this 
subject,  Dr.  Lindley  says,  "  The  usual  idea  of  the  flower  of 
Reseda  has  been,  that  it  is  furnished  with  a  calyx  of  a  varia- 
ble number  of  divisions,  with  as  many  petals,  producing  from 
their  surface  certain  anomalous  appendages,  and  with  an 
ovary  (germen,)  and  stamens  inserted  on  a  great  fleshy  body, 
called  nectary  by  Linnaean  botanists,  and  squama  by  others." 
Dr.  Lindley  is  however  of  the  opinion,  that  a  much  more 
natural  mode  of  understanding  this  genus  is  to  consider  it  as 
having  compound  flowers  ;  taking  the  calyx  of  authors  for  an 
involucrum,  their  petals  for  natural  florets,  and  their  nectary 
for  the  calyx  of  a  fertile  floret  in  the  middle.  The  curious 
botanist  will  find  this  subject  fully  discussed  in  Lindley 's 
Nat.  System. 

GENUS  Euphorbia.  Spurge.  Name  from  Euphorbus, 
physician  to  Juba.  king  of  Mauritania,  who  first  used  this 
plant  in  medicine.  This  is  a  vast  tribe,  the  natural  order 
containing,  according  to  Dr.  Lindley,  1500  species.  Some 
of  them  are  exceedingly  grotesque,  and  curious  looking 
plants,  while  others  are  common  weeds,  some  of  which  are 
poisonous.  They  are  all  lactescent,  or  milky,  and  most  of 
them  herbaceous,  though  a  few  are  shrubs.  Some  are  up- 
right, while  others  are  creepers,  and  a  few  are  entirely  with- 
out leaves.  Several  species  very  nearly  resemble  the  Cac- 
tus, or  Prickly  Pear  tribe,  being  composed  almost  entirely  of 
a  fleshy,  deformed  stem.  The  milk,  or  juice  of  most  species, 
is  said  to  be  so  acrid  as  to  corrode  the  flesh,  and  produce 
ulcers  wherever  it  is  applied.  The  Officinal 
Spurge,  (Euphorbia  ojficinarujn,}  Fig.  174,  is  the  Fig.  174. 
species  from  which  the  Euphorbium  used  in 
medicine  is  obtained.  This  plant,  a  native  of 
Africa,  grows  at  the  foot  of  Mount  Atlas,  where 
the  inhabitants  gather  the  gum-resin  in  question 
by  making  incisions  in  the  plant.  The  milky 
juice  flowing  out,  concretes  into  the  form  of  ob- 
long tears,  which  are  afterwards  gathered  and 
put  up  for  sale.  At  the  present  day  this  is 
larely  employed  as  an  internal  remedy,  its  action 

What  is  said  concerning  the  infloresence  of  mignonette  1  What  is 
the  origin  of  the  name  of  the  genus  Euphorbia  ?  How  extensive  is  the 
genus  Euphorbia  ? 


1/H 


1COSANDRIA. 


being  considered  too  violent.  Ipeca- 
cuuuha,  (Euphorbia  ipecacuanha,)  Fig. 
175,  is  the  plant,  the  root  of  which 
affords  the  American  Ipecac,  a  well 
known  emetic.  Some  of  the  species 
of  this  singular  genus  are  found  in 
nearly  every  country  and  island  on 
earth,  but  most  of  them,  (Dr.  Lindley 
thinks,  three  eighths,)  belong  to  the 
equatorial  regions  of  America. 

ORDER  IV. — TETRAGYNIA.     Stamens  12.     Styles  4. 
This  order  contains  nothing  worthy  of  notice. 

ORDER  V. — PENTAGYNIA.     Stamens  12.     Styles  5. 
This  order  is  also  barren  of  interesting  species. 
ORDER  VI.     DODECAGYNIA.     Stamens  12.     Styles  12. 

The  name  of  this  order  comes  from  dodeka,  and  gyne,  and 
signifies  12  styles,  or  pistils. 

GENUS  Sempervivum.  Houseleek.  Generic  name,  from 
the  Latin,  semper  vivere,  to  live  forever,  in  allusion  to  the  te- 
nacity of  life  common  to  the  species.  This  is  a  large  genus 
of  odd  looking  succulent  plants,  of  singular  habits.  Some  of 
them  are  used  as  ornaments,  or  curiosities,  because  they  live 
arid  grow  without  roots.  The  common  Houseleek,  (S.  tecto- 
rum,)  is  said  to  cover  the  entire  roofs  of  the  houses  in  Smo- 
land.  The  tree  Houseleek,  (S.  arborenm,)  grows  eight  or 
ten  feet  high,  has  a  yellow  flower,  and  is  a  fine  evergreen 
shrub. 

CLASS  XII.— ICOSANDRIA.      Stamens  many,  perigynous. 

Orders  3. 

The  name  of  this  class  comes  from 
eikosi,  twenty,  and  aner,  a  stamen,  and 
therefore  signifies  twenty  stamens. 
But  the  class  includes  all  such  plants 
as  have  twenty,  or  more,  distinct  sta- 
mens, which  are  perigynous,  that  is, 
inserted  into  the  calyx,  not  growing 
on  the  receptacle.  The  calyx  is  al- 
ways monosepalous,  or  consists  of 
sepals  united  at  the  base.  This  class 

What  useful  plants  belong  to  the  genus  Euphorbia  ?  How  many  sta- 
mens have  plants  belonging  to  the  class  Icosandria  ?  How  are  the  sta- 
mens situated  ? 


Fig.  M. 


ICOSANDRIA.  155 

is  not  large,  but  is  exceedingly  important  to  man,  as  contain- 
ing many  oi'  the  most  delicious,  and  widely  diffused  fruits  of 
(he  earth.  Among  these  are  the  Apple,  Pear,  Cherry,  Prune, 
and  Plum.  It  also  contains  the  Rose  tribe,  which  for  variety, 
beauty,  and  fragrance,  is  the  prince  of  flowers.  The  genera 
of  this  class  are  most  of  them  extremely  natural,  there  being 
a  likeness  in  appearance,  habits,  or  qualities,  in  most  of  the 
species  belonging  to  each.  These  have  likewise  been 
studied  with  unusual  attention,  owing  to  their  domestic  im- 
portance, and  the  great  length  of  time  most  of  them  have  been 
cultivated.  This  latter  circumstance  has,  however,  made 
some  of  the  species  exceedingly  perplexing  in  their  botanical 
relations,  owing  to  the  great  changes  they  have  undergone 
by  cultivation.  The  pupil  will,  therefore,  much  more  fre- 
quently find  himself  at  a  loss  concerning  the  botanical  char- 
acters of  plants  which  he  has  known  from  his  infancy, 
than  with  respect  to  many  which  he  has  seen  for  the  first  time. 
The  class  contains  three  orders. 

ORDER  MONOGYNIA.      Stamens  many,  perigynous.     Style  1. 

GENUS  Cactus.  This  name  was  used  by  Theophrastus,  to 
signify  an  unknown,  spiny  plajit,  which  was  edible.  The 
Cactus  tribe  presents  a  large  number  of  grotesque,  or  curious 
looking  succulent  plants,  generally  without  leaves  and  having- 
thick,  jointed  stems.  For  the  most  part  they  are  armed  with 
spines,  with  which  bristles  are  often  intermixed.  This  tribe 
is  called  Indian  Fig,  arid  one  or  two  species  are  known  under 
the  name  of  Prickly  Pear.  A  majority  of  the  genus  are  na- 
tives of  South  America,  but  are  now  common  in  the  West 
Indies.  Most  of  them  are  green-house  plants  in  our  climate, 
though  the  Prickly  Pear,  (Cactus  opuntia,)  is  common  along 
the  Hudson  river,  and  is  found  in  every  part  of  the  United 
States,  south  of  New  York. — See  Torrey's  Flora.  The  cele- 
brated flower  called  Night  blooming  Cereus,  ( Cactus  grandi- 
florus,)  belongs  to  this  genus.  This  has  a  creeping,  jointed, 
five  angled  stem,  which  sometimes  grows  several  yards  in 
length  in  our  hot  houses.  The  flowers  proceed  from  the  sides 
of  the  stem,  and  are  exceedingly  large,  splendid  and  sweet 
scented,  but  of  short  duration.  These  flov»  ,rs  begin  to  open  at 

What  are  among  the  most  important  plants  belonging  to  this  class  ? 
Why  are  the  botanical  relations  of  domestic  plants,  more  difficult  than 
those  of  wild  ones  ?  What  is  the  botanical  name  of  the  night  blooming 
cereus,  and  to  what  genus  does  it  belong? 


J56 


ICOSANDIUA. 


177- 


seven  or  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening,  are  full  blown  by  eleven, 

and  at  four  or  five  o'clock  the  next  morning,  they  droop,  and  are 

quite  withered.     There  is  hardly  a  more  magnificent  flower 

than  this,  even  when  seen  by  candle  light,  and  it  is  probable 

that  its  splendor  would  be  increased,  could  it  be  seen  by  the 

light  of  day.     Its    calyx,    when   open,   is  nearly   a   foot  in 

diameter,  the  inside  of  which  being 

of  a  splendid  yellow  color,  appears 

like  the  rays  of  a  star,  the  petals  of 

which  do  not  reach  the  outer  cir- 

cumference of  the  calyx,  are  pure 

white,  while  the  vast  number  of  re- 

curved  stamens    which    surround 

the  pistil  in  the  centre,  add  greatly 

to  the  beauty  of  the  whole.     The 

shape  of  this  flower  is  represented 

by  Fig.  1  77. 


The  species  on  which  the  Co- 
chineal insect  chiefly  feeds  is  call- 
ed Cochineal  Fig,  Fig.  178,  (Cac- 
tus cochinillifer,)  and  is  without 
spines  or  thorns.  The  insect 
also  feeds  on  other  species  of  the 
Cactus  tribe,  but  this  only  is  culti- 
vated as  its  food,  because  it  is  the 
least  annoying  by  its  prickles.  It 
grows  four  or  five  feet  high,  and 
appears  like  a  number  of  thick 
succulent  leaves;  joined  to  each 
other.  It  resembles  the  common  Prickly  Pear,  denuded  o 
its  arms.  This,  as  well  as  the  Prickly  Pear,  produces  in  then 
native  climate  an  edible  fruit,  which  is  highly  esteemed. 
"  On  the  top  of  this  fruit  there  grows  a  red  flower  ;  this,  when 
the  fruit  is  ripe,  falls  down  on  the  top  of  it,  and  covers  it,  sc 
that  no  rain  or  dew  can  wet  the  inside.  A  day  or  two  after, 
the  flower  being  scorched  up  by  the  heat  of  the  sun,  the  fruit 
opens  wide,  and  the  inside  appears  full  of  small  red  insects, 
(probably  attracted  by  the  fruit.)  The  Indians,  when  they 
perceive  the  fruit  open,  spread  a  large  linen  cloth,  and  then 
with  sticks  shake  the  plant  to  disturb  the  insects,  so  that  they 
may  take  wing  to  be  gone,  but  [they]  keep  hovering  ovei 
the  plant,  till  by  the  heat  they  fall  down  dead  on  the  cloth, 

What  species  of  cactus  is  cul^-ated  as  food  for  the  cochineal  insect  ? 


ICOSANDRIA.  157 

where  the  Indians  let  them  remain  two  or  three  days,  till  they 
are  dry."  Enc.  Plants,  p.  414.  The  Cochineal  insect  is  cul- 
tivated in  Mexico  and  Spain,  and  forms  one  of  the  most  dura- 
ble and  rich  of  all  purple  dyes. 

GENUS  Qaryophyllas.  Clove  tree.  The  Greeks  derived  the 
name  of  this  genus  from  an  Arabic  word  which  signified  the 
same  plant  that  we  call  Clove  tree.  The  name  Clove  signi- 
fies nail,  from  the  resemblance  of  the  fruit  to  a  nail.  The 
Clove  tree,  (Caryophyllus  aromati- 
cus,)  which  is^  the  only  species  of 
its  genus,  is  a  native  of  the  East, 
probably  of  Arabia,  where  it  has 
been  known  from  the  highest  anti- 
quity. It  grows  to  the  height  of 
twenty  feet,  bears  a  white  funnel- 
shaped  flower,  which  produces  a 
two  celled  capsule  containing  the 
well  known  hot  aromatic  fruit. 
The  leaves  are  lanceolate,  and  the 
tree  branched.  See  Fig.  179. 

GENUS  Myrtus.  Myrtle.  From  the  Greek  murtos,  by 
which  name  this  plant  was  known.  This  is  a  well  known 
genus  of  evergreen  shrubs,  one  specie.s  of  which  was  sacred 
to  Venus.  It  was  a  favorite  among  the  ancients,  and  at 
Athens  was  the  symbol  of  civic  authority.  Several  of  the 
species  are  remarkably  beautiful,  having  broad,  ovate,  shi- 
ning, deep  green  leaves,  contrasted  with  racemes  of  white 
flowers.  Some  of  the  species  rise  into  trees  30  feet  high. 

GENUS  Amygdalus.  Almond.  Peach.  This  genus  con- 
tains the  common  Peach,  (Amygdalus  Persica,)  the  Necta- 
rine, which  is  considered  only  a  variety  of  the  Peach  ;  the 
sweet  and  bitter  Almond,  and  several  other  species,  less 
known  and  esteemed. 

GENUS  Prunus.  Plum  and  Cherry.  This  genus  includes 
a  considerable  number  of  species,  some  of  which  differ  very 
materially  from  the  others.  Not  only  the  Plum  and  Cherry, 
with  their  species  and  numerous  varieties,  but  also  the  Apri- 
cots belong  here.  The  common  Cherry,  (Prunus  cerasus,) 
which  we  call  English  Cherry,  affords  as  many  as  forty 

What  is  the  use  of  the  cochineal  insect  ?  What  is  the  form  and  size  of 
the  clove  tree,  and  in  what  manner  are  the  cloves  produced  ?  What  is 
said  of  the  myrtle  ?  What  is  the  botanical  name  of  our  common  peach  ? 
What  is  said  of  the  genus  Prunus  ? 

14 


158 


ICOSANDRIA 


varieties.  The  species  and  varieties  of  Plum,  which  are 
cultivated  in  our  gardens,  are  also  quite  numerous.  The 
common  Apricot,  (Prunus  Armeniaca,)  is  commonly  supposed 
to  have  been  a  native  of  Armenia.  It  is,  however,  found  in 
its  native,  or  wild  state,  and  in  great  abundance,  on  Mount  Cau- 
casus, on  the  mountains  west  of  Pekin,  and  on  the  island  of 
Japan.  There  are  fifteen  or  twenty  excellent  varieties  of 
this  fruit.  These  trees  do  well  when  budded  on  Plum  stocks, 
which  indeed  is  the  common  method  of  raising  this  fruit. 

ORDER  II. — DI-PENTAG\NIA.  Stamens  many,  perigynous. 
Styles  2  to  5. 

The  compound  name  of  this  order  is  from  the  Greek,  and 
signifies  two-five  styles.  Any  flower,  therefore,  having  twenty 
or  more  perigynous  stamens,  and  two,  three,  four,  or  five 
styles,  belongs  to  this  class  and  order. 

GENUS  Pyrus.  Apple.  Pear.  The  generic  name  is  said 
to  come  from  the  Celtic,  perea,  from  which  the  Latins  derived 
their  word  pyrus.  Our  name,  Apple,  comes  from  the  Greek, 
apios.  The  genus  Pyrus  is  characterized  by  a  calyx,  five 
cleft,  superior ;  corolla  five  petaled ;  stamens  many ;  styles 
five;  pome  five  celled,  and  many  seeded.  There  are  few 
genera  of  fruits  which  are  so  changed  by  cultivation,  or  which 
so  richly  reward  the  *care  of  the  gardener,  as  this.  The 
truth  is,  that  the  best  kinds,  save  the  trouble  of  engrafting,  are 
much  more  easily  grown  in  quantity,  than  the  poorest,  be- 
cause the  trees  are  much  more  productive.  The  species  of 
Apples  and  Pears  are  not  very  numerous,  but  the  varieties  of 
each  are  innumerable.  Of  the  Pear,  the  Romans  are  said  to 
have  had  thirty-six  varieties  only.  Probably  our  method 
of  producing  new  varieties  was  then  unknown.  We  have 
stated  in  another  place,  that  the  seeds  of  this  genus,  from  the 
same  tree,  or  even  from  the  same  fruit,  when  planted,  pro- 
duce varieties  different  from  that  of  the  parent.  In  France, 
two  gentlemen  made  an  experiment  on  this  subject,  by  suffer- 
ing nearly  8000  Pear  trees,  which  had  come  from  the  seed, 
to  bear  fruit,  and  from  among  which  they  obtained  nearly  800 
new  varieties,  that  were  worth  cultivating.  Dwarf  trees,  arid 

What  is  meant  by  Di-Pentagynia,  and  what  description  of  plants  belong 
to  this  class  and  order  ?  How  is  the  genus  Pyrus  characterized  ?  How 
many  varieties  of  the  Pyrus  are  the  Romans  said  to  have  had  ?  In  what 
manner  are  new  varieties  of  this  genus  said  to  have  been  produced  in 
France  ? 


1COSANDRIA.  159 

early  varieties   of  the   Pear,  may  be  produced  by  engrafting 
on  Quince  stocks. 

GENUS  Mesembryanthemum.  Fig  Mary  gold.  The  name 
is  from  the  Greek,  mesembryia,  the  mid-day,  because  the 
flowers  usually  expand  at  that  time.  The  name  is  certainly 
unfortunate  in  respect  to  length,  but  corresponds  well  with 
the  extent  of  this  genus,  of  which  the  Enc.  of  Plants  con- 
tains descriptions  of  more  than  300  species,  besides  many 
varieties,  the  whole  being  illustrated  by  nearly  100  engraved 
figures.  The  species,  says  this  work,  of  this  extensive 
genus  are  singular,  yet  beautiful,  and  some  even  splendid 
plants.  Their  leaves  are  of  odd  shapes,  and  the  habits  of 
most  of  the  sorts  slovenly  and  insignificant,  though  some 
are  grotesque  ;  but  the  flowers  make  ample  amends  by  their 
profusion,  the  brilliancy  of  their  colors,  and  the  length  of 
time  the  species  continue  in  flower.  Few  are  annual,  few- 
er biennial,  many  are  perennial,  and  most  are  shrubby,  es- 
pecially at  the  base. 

The  leaves  of  this  genus  are  mostly  opposite,  thick,  short, 
and  blunt  pointed,  though  some  are  acute  ;  their  forms  also 
bear  a  family  likeness,  being  tongue-shaped,  spatulate,  half- 
round,  round,  angular,  dagger-shaped,  hatchet-shaped,  sub- 
ulate, &c.  All  the  species  of  this  genus,  except  three  or 
four,  which  are  natives  of  New  Zealand  and  New  Holland, 
come  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  consequently  are 
hot  house  plants.  They  are  all  evergreens,  generally  grow- 
ing to  the  height  of  from  three  inches  to  a  foot,  though  a  few 
are  three  feet  high.  The  flowers  of  perhaps  seven  eighths  of 
the  species  are  either  pink,  or  yellow,  though  some  are  white, 
or  purple,  &c.  and  a  few  are  striped.  In  general  they  blos- 
som in  April,  May,  June,  or  July. 

The  species,  Fig.  180,  here  represent-  Fiff  1S°- 

ed,  is  the  White  Fig  Marygold,  (Mes- 
embryanthemum albinum.)  It  grows 
three  or  four  inches  high,  very  smooth 
and  white ;  leaves  thick,  three  corner- 
ed, obtuse,  with  a  point,  and  opposite  ; 
flowers  yellow.  The  mode  of  flower- 
ing in  most  of  the  species  is  similar, 
and  somewhat  resembles  that  of  the 
Marygold.  In  some  of  the  species  the 
fruit  resembles  the  Fig,  and  hence  the 

What  is  said  of  the  genus  Mesembryanthemum  ? 


ICO  ICOSANDRIA. 

vulgar  name,  Fig  Marygold.  This  genus  is  easily  cultivated 
in  pots,  provided  they  are  kept  dry.  They  should  have  no 
water  when  in  the  dormant  state,  and  only  a  moderate  supply 
when  growing  freely,  and  at  the  flowering  season.  They  re- 
quire only  sand,  and  the  poorer  and  dryer  the  soil  is,  the  more 
abundantly  will  they  flower.  Slips  placed  in  pots  of  sand  will 
take  root.  The  well  known  Ice  plant,  is  a  species  of  this  genus. 

ORDER  III. — POLYGYNIA.      Stamens  many,  perigynous. 
Styles  many. 

The  name  of  this  order  is  from  the  Greek,  polys,  and  gync, 
and  signifies  many  styles.  Flowers  having  many  stamens, 
that  is,  more  than  twenty,  perigynous,  that  is,  inserted  into 
the  calyx,  and  many  styles,  belong  here. 

GENUS  Rosa.  Rose.  Name  from  the  Greek,  rodon,  red, 
from  whence  comes  Rosa,  Latin,  and  Rose,  English.  The 
Rose  has  been  a  favorite  flower  among  all  civilized  nations, 
from  time  immemorial.  Its  native  country  is  unknown.  The 
number  of  distinct  species  of  this  genus  are  variously  stated 
by  different  writers,  the  changes  produced  by  cultivation  be- 
ing often  such  as  to  make  it  difficult  to  determine  whether  an 
individual  should  be  ranked  as  a  species,  sub-species,  or  varie- 
ty. In  the  Enc.  of  Plants,  about  ninety  species  are  described 
and  the  names  of  more  than  300  garden  varieties  given, 
and  Decandolle  describes  146  species.  The  Roses  have  been 
the  subject  of  many  distinct  and  costly  treatises.  Prof.  LLld- 
ley,  of  London,  has  written  the  most  scientific  work  in  the 
English  language  on  the  Roses.  He  has  described  upwards 
of  100  species,  and  sub-species,  a  part  of  which  are  illustra- 
ted by  figures.  In  France,  Redeoute  and  Thory  have  pub- 
lished a  work  in  folio,  entitled  Les Roses,  containing  plates  ol 
all  the  species  and  varieties  of  this  flower ;  a  very  splendid 
and  costly  work.  The  catalogues  of  the  Paris  and  London 
nursery  men,  contain  not  less  than  500  names  of  the  different 
species  and  varieties  of  Roses.  And  the  house  of  Calvert  & 
Co.  near  Rouen,  advertise  900  sorts  of  this  flower. 

New  varieties  of  the  Rose  are  obtained  from  the  seed,  but 
the  usual  mode  of  propagation  is  by  slips  or  layers.  The 
Dutch  have  a  method,  said  to  be  of  modern  invention,  ol 
making  the  smaller  and  finer  varieties  grow  on  the  stalks 

What  description  of  plants  belong  to  the  order  Polygynia  of  this  class  1 
Whence  comes  the  name  of  the  rose  ?  How  many  species  and  varieties 
of  the  rose  are  said  to  have  been  described  ? 


POLYANDRIA.  161 

of  the  larger  kinds.  The  Dog  Rose,  the  Tree  Rose,  and 
other  common  species,  grow  10  or  12  feet  high,  and  may  be 
set  in  lawns,  or  yards  where  the  ground  is  not  to  be  broken. 
The  dwarf  kinds,  besides  being  more  beautiful,  require  cul- 
ture at  the  root.  The  Dutch  method  is  to  bud  several  varie- 
ties of  the  dwarf,  on  the  larger  stalks,  and  thus  to  produce  a 
tree,  composed  of  various,  and  differently  colored  species  of 
living  Roses.  It  is  obvious  that  the  beauty  of  such  a  com- 
pound tree  will  depend  much  on  the  taste  of  the  culturer,  in 
arranging  his  varieties.  The  dwarf  species  are  said  to  be  pre- 
served in  this  manner  longer  than  by  the  usual  mode  of  culture. 

The  nursery  men  call  their  roses  by  various  names,  often 
of  their  own  invention  ;  and  being  like  others,  aware  how 
much  great  names  and  high  sounding  titles  influence  the 
world,  it  is  curious  to  observe  how  constantly  they  attempt  to 
employ  this  circumstance  to  enhance  the  sale  and  price  of 
their  goods.  Thus  we  have  Roses  named  Royal  crimson, 
Purple  crimson,  Grand  Sultan,  Henry  IV.,  Duchess  of  Or- 
leans, Josephine,  Napoleon,  King  of  France,  Glory  of  the 
World,  &c.  The  species  of  the  Rose  are  chiefly  deciduous 
shrubs.  There  are  a  few,  however,  which  are  evergreens, 
and  several  which  trail  upon  the  ground.  In  general,  they 
grow  from  a  few  inches  to  four  or  six  feet  high.  A  few  spe- 
cies assume  the  height  of  trees.  Lady  Banks'  Rose,  grows 
twenty  feet  high,  and  the  Persian  Rose  tree  is  said  to  be 
thirty  feet  in  height. 

It  is  a  remarkable  fact  that  no  species   of  the  Rose  has 
been  found  native  in  the  southern  hemisphere. 
CLASS  XIIL— POLYANDRIA.     Stamens   many,  inserted 
on  the  receptacle.      Orders  7. 

The  name  of  this  class  is  derived  from  Fis-  N 

the  Greek,  polys,  many,  and  aner,  a  sta- 
men, and  means  many  stamens.  The 
stamens  in  this  class,  instead  of  being 
inserted  into  the  calyx,  as  in  Icosandria, 
grow  on  the  receptacle,  or  end  of  the 
stem,  and  under  the  germen.  It  is  a  cu- 
rious circumstance,  that  plants  with  their 


What  is  the  Dutch  method  of  making  rose  trees  ?     What  is  meant  by 
deciduous  shrubs  ?     To  what  height  are  some  rose  trees  said  to  grow  ? 
How  many  stamens  belong  to  the  plants  of  the  class  Polyandria  ?     On 
what  part  of  the  plant  do  the  stamens  of  this  class  grow  ? 
14* 


162  POLYANDRIA. 


growing  on  the  receptacle  are  often  poisonous,  while 
those  having  their  stamens  inserted  into  their  calyxes  are 
generally  wholesome.  The  great  number  of  edible  fruits  in 
the  last  class,  and  the  variety  of  noxious  ones  in  this,  con- 
firm this  observation.  The  number  of  stamens  in  this  class 
being  indefinite,  though  more  than  twenty,  will  not  distinguish 
it  from  Icosandria.  But  the  place  of  insertion  will  always 
show  the  difference.  The  stamens  are  always  distinct,  that 
is,  not  coherent  in  any  part  of  their  length,  or  distributed  into 
parcels. 

This  class  is  of  considerable  magnitude,  though  not  im- 
portant like  the  last  in  embracing  many  esculent  vegetables. 
Some  of  the  noblest  genera  of  the  forest,  as  the  Magnolia 
and  some  of  the  most  beautiful  aquatic  plants  belong  here.  It 
also  includes  the  Poppy,  the  curious  Side-saddle  flower,  the 
Peony,  and  the  Custard  Apple. 

ORDER  I.  —  MONANDRIA.      Stamens  many.     Style  I. 

GENUS  Capparis.  Caper-tree.  Name,  from  the  Greek 
Kapparis,  which  is  derived  from  the  Arabic  Kabar.  This  is 
a  genus  of  low  shrubs,  some  of  which  produce  berries,  and 
others  pods.  The  common  Caper,  (Capparis  spinosa,)  is  the 
species  from  which  the  pickled  Capers  are  obtained.  The 
flower  bud  is  chiefly  employed  for  this  purpose,  though  in 
Italy  the  unripe  fruit  is  prepared  instead  of  the  bud.  In  the 
isles  of  the  Mediterranean  and  near  Toulon,  the  flower  buds 
of  the  Caper  are  gathered  just  before  they  begin  to  expand, 
and  are  thrown  into  vessels  containing  salt  and  vinegar. 
When  the  gathering  season  is  over,  the  contents  of  these  ves- 
sels are  poured  out,  and  the  buds  are  assorted  according  to 
their  size  and  color,  the  smallest  and  greenest  being  consider- 
ed the  best.  The  different  sorts  are  then  put  into  small  casks 
with  fresh  vinegar,  and  are  then  ready  for  sale.  In  this 
state  they  are  said  to  remain  fit  for  use  five  or  six  years. 
It  is  said  to  be  a  common  practice  to  put  copper  filings  into 
the  first  pickle,  to  save  vinegar,  and  give  the  buds  a  green  color. 

To  this  order  belong  the  genera  Bloodroot,  (Sanguinaria,) 
Celandine,  (Chelidonium,)  and  the  Poppy. 

GENUS   Papaver.     Poppy.     Name,  from  the  Celtic,  papa, 

Are  the  stamens  in  this  class  distinct  or  united  !  From  what  plant  and 
what  part  of  the  plant  are  the  capers  of  commerce  produced  ?  What 
other  plants  are  mentioned  as  belonging  to  this  class  ? 


POLYANDRY.  163 

which  signifies  pap,  because  the  seeds  were  formerly  boiled 
in  the  pap,  or  food  of  infants,  in  order  to  make  them  sleep 
The  word  opium,  is  derived  from  the  Greek  opos,  juice.  There 
are  several  species  of  this  genus,  some  of  which  are  common 
in  our  gardens.  The  Opium  Poppy,  (Papaver  somniferum,) 
is  the  species  cultivated  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  that 
powerful  narcotic  poison,  opium.  This  plant  is  cultivated  in 
many  parts  of  Europe,  at  the  present  day,  not  for  its  opium, 
but  for  the  bland  oil  its  seeds  contain,  and  the  capsules,  or 
heads,  which  are  dried  and  sold  to  apothecaries.  In  Persia, 
Turkey,  and  India,  this  plant  is  grown  for  its  inspissated 
juice,  which  in  warm  climates  only,  affords  good  opium.  In 
these  countries  the  opium  is  collected  by  making  slight  in- 
cisions on  each  side  of  the  half  grown  capsule,  or  poppy 
head.  This  is  done  towards  evening,  and  in  the  morning  the 
exuded  milky  juice,  being  thickened  by  evaporation  to  the 
consistence  of  a  paste,  is  scraped  off  by  women  and  children 
and  put  into  earthen  pots.  During  the  day  this  is  worked  by 
wooden  spatulas  in  the  sun,  until  it  attains  a  considerable 
thickness.  It  is  then  formed  by  hand  into  cakes,  as  we  see 
it,  and  covered  with  leaves  in  order  to  prevent  their  adhering 
to  each  other.  It  is  obvious  that  the  labor  of  collecting  opi- 
um in  this  manner,  and  in  no  other  can  it  be  obtained  pure, 
must  be  very  great ;  hence  the  temptation  to  adulterate  this 
drug,  which  is  said  to  be  the  practice  in  every  country  where 
it  is  produced  for  sale.  The  substances  used  for  this  purpose 
are  chiefly  the  extract  of  the  poppy  obtained  by  boiling ;  oil 
of  sessamum  ;  ashes  and  the  dried  leaves  of  the  poppy  ;  sand  ,• 
extract  of  liquorice  ;  gum  Arabic,  &c. 

GENUS  Sarracenia.  Side-saddle  flower.  Tournefort 
named  this  plant  in  honor  of  Dr.  Sarrazin,  of  Quebec,  who 
sent  the  genus  to  him  from  Canada.  It  is  called  Side-sad- 
dle flower,  from  the  resemblance  of  its  expanded  stigma  to 
a  woman's  pillion.  This  highly  curious  genus  consists  ol 
five  species,  all  of  them  natives  of  North  America,  and 
hitherto  found  no  where  else.  The  Purple  Sarracenia; 
(Sarracenia  purpurea,)  is  the  most  common  species,  and 
perhaps  the  only  one  growing  in  the  nothern  States.  There 

What  is  the  derivation  of  the  word  poppy  ?  In  what  climates  does  the 
poppy  afford  good  opium  ?  In  what  manner  is  opium  obtained  ?  How 
did  the  genus  Sarracenia  obtain  its  name  ?  What  peculiarity  has  the 
genus  Sarracenia  ?  In  what  country  only  ar«  they  found  native  ? 


164  POLYANDRIA. 

is  liowever  a  variety  with  yellow  flowers.  This  plant  is 
cultivated  in  Europe  as  a  curiosity.  The  stem,  which  is  a 
scape,  rises  to  the  height  of  a  foot  or  more,  and  bears  a 
single  terminal  flower,  which  is  large,  nodding,  and  of  a 
deep  reddish  purple.  The  petals  are  five,  and  of  an  oval 
shape.  The  germ  is  globular,  and  covered  by  the  stigma, 
this  being  divided  into  five  lobes,  the  segments  of  which  ex- 
pand like  an  umbrella,  and  falling  down,  alternate  with  the 
petals.  There  is  an  exterior  calyx,  composed  of  three  leaves, 
and  an  interior  one  composed  of  five  ;  these  are  nearly  purple. 
The  leaves  are  all  radical,  and  are  composed  of  a  large  hol- 
low tube,  swelling  in  the  middle,  contracted  downwards,  and 
ending  in  a  short  petiole.  The  mouth  of  the  tube,  or  leaf,  is 
contracted,  and  furnished  with  a  spreading,  heart-shaped  ap- 
pendage. The  leaves  lie  on  the  ground  with  their  mouths 
turned  upwards,  so  as  to  catch  the  rain  as  it  falls.  They 
hold  nearly  a  wine-glass  full  of  water,  and  are  seldom  found 
empty.  The  whole  genus  are  aquatic,  and  are  found  in  wet 
boggy  places.  These  plants  thrive  very  well  in  pots  filled 
with  turfy  peat,  or  swamp  soil,  the  upper  part  containing 
some  water  moss,  and  the  pot  being  placed  in  a  pan  of  water. 
They  flower  in  June  and  July,  and  may  be  found  in  many 
swarnps  in  New  England. 

GENUS  Nymph&a.  Water  Lily.  Name  from  Nymph,  a 
Naiad  of  streams.  This  is  a  beautiful  genus  of  aquatic 
perennial  flowers.  The  white  Water  Lily,  which  is  common 
in  brooks  and  ponds,  has  a  large  white  flower,  with  a  yellow 
centre,  and  four  sepals,  which  are  green  without  and  white 
within.  Few  flowers  possess  a  more  exquisite  fragrance 
than  this.  The  leaves  are  orbicular,  cordate,  and  emargin- 
ate,  with  the  lobes  toothed.  This  species,  the  Nyrnphaea 
odorata,  or  fragrant  Water  Lily,  often  grows  where  the  water 
is  ten  or  twelve  feet  deep.  The  flowers  expand  in  the  morn- 
ing arid  close  in  the  afternoon.  The  roots  are  of  the  size  of 
a  man's  arm,  and  have  been  used  as  emollients  in  medicine. 
The  yellow  Pond  Lily  belongs  to  the  genus  Nuphar,  of  which 
we  have  two  species,  one  with  a  calyx  of  five  leaves,  and  the 
other  with  a  calyx  of  six.  It  is  said  that  crickets  and  cock- 
roaches are  destroyed  by  these  roots,  bruised  and  mixed  with 
milk. 

What  are  the  botanical  names  of  the  white  and  yellow  pond  lilies  ? 


POLYANDRIA.  165 

GENUS  Bixia,  Arnotto  Tree.  This  tree  grows  in  the 
West  Indies,  and  rises  to  the  height  of  twenty  feet.  The 
Arnotto,  a  paint  with  which  cheese  and  butter  are  colored, 
is  prepared  from  the  pulp  which  covers  the  seeds  of  this 
plant.  The  fruit  being  macerated  in  hot  water,  the  seeds  are 
separated,  and  the  remaining  pulp  being  purified,  and  the 
water  evaporated,  forms  the  coloring  substance  in  question. 
The  natives  of  hot  climates  use  pieces  of  this  wood  to  obtain 
fire  by  friction.  The  Lime,  or  Linden  tree,  known  also  by 
the  name  of  Basswood,  the  Tilia  of  Botanists,  belongs  here. 
Also  the  Peony,  and  Cistus,  or  Rockrose. 

ORDER  II. — DI-PENTAGYNIA.     Stamens  many.     Styles  2-5. 

We  had  occasion  to  explain  the  name  of  this  order  undei 
the  head  of  Icosandria,  where  it  is  employed  as  well  as  here. 

In  the  original  Linnaean  arrangement,  the  orders  Digynia, 
Trigynia,  and  Tetragynia,  were  used  instead  of  Di-Penta- 
gynia.  But  the  styles  from  Digynia  to  Pentagynia  inclusive, 
being  from  two  to  live,  these  orders  are  now  embraced  in  the 
present  one. 

GENUS  Delphinum.  Larkspur.  Name,  from  the  Greek, 
delphin,  a  dolphin,  on  account  of  the  resemblance  of  the  nec- 
tary of  this  plant  to  the  imaginary  figures  of  that  fish.  The 
species  are  well  known  annual,  or  perennial  plants,  all  of 
them  either  blue,  purple  or  red,  but  never  yellow.  This  genus 
has  no  calyx  ;  the  petals  are  five,  and  unequal.  The  appen- 
dage called  the  spur,  or  nectary,  is  common  to  all  the  species. 

The  Aconitum,  or  Wolf's  bane,  all  the  species  of  which 
are  poisonous  to  a  high  degree,  belongs  here.  This  is  also 
the  place  oi'the  Columbine,  (Aquilcgia,)  a  common,  hardy, 
perennial,  herbaceous  plant,  which  springs  up  early  in  the 
spring,  and  continues  to  flower  from  May  to  July. 

ORDER  III. — POLYGYNIA.     Stamens  many.     Styles  many. 

GENUS  Liriodendron.  Tulip  tree.  Name  from  the  Greek, 
leiriofi,  a  lily,  and  dendron,  a  tree.  This  is  a  native  of  North 
America,  and  is  among  the  tallest  and  most  beautiful  of  our 
forest  trees.  The  flowers  are  produced  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches,  and  resemble  the  tulip,  rather  than  the  lily.  The 

How  is  arnotto  obtained  1  What  is  said  of  the  Larkspur "?  Whence 
comes  the  name  of  the  genus  Liriodendron  1 


I6fi  POLYANDRIA. 

petals  are  from  six  to  twenty-seven  in  number,  the  outer  ones 
oblong,  and  the  inner  ones  lanceolate.  The  leaves  are  on 
petioles,  large,  glossy,  and  panduriform,  or  guitar  shaped 
The  trunk  is  smooth,  straight,  and  sometimes  nearly  a  hun- 
dred feet  high,  and  when  covered  with  its  Tulip-like  blossoms, 
has  a  magnificent  appearance.  There  is  a  variety,  in  which 
the  lobes  of  the  leaves  are  obtuse,  and  the  petals  all  ovate, 
and  of  a  yellowish  color.  This  genus  has  boon  transported 
to  Europe,  where  it  is  now  common,  but  seldom  grows  to  the 
height  of  more  than  fifty  or  sixty  feet. 

GENUS  Magnolia.  Beaver  tree.  Name,  in  honor  of  Pro- 
fessor Magnol,  of  Montpelier,  the  author  of  several  botanical 
works.  This  genus  consists  of  many  species,  eight  of  which 
are  natives  of  North  America.  Most  of  the  species  are 
superb  trees,  and  some  of  them,  as  the  Laurel-leaved,  (Magno- 
lia grandiflora,)  are  among  the  most  beautiful  and  magnificent 
of  vegetables.  The  leaves  of  this  species  are  a  foot  or  more 
long,  and  not  unlike  those  of  the  common  Laurel.  The 
flower  is  produced  at  the  end  of  the  branches,  is  very  large, 
and  composed  of  about  eight  white  petals,  which  are  narrow 
at  the  base,  but  broad  and  waved  at  their  extremities.  Some 
of  the  species  are  deciduous,  and  others  are  evergreens. 

GENUS  Annona.  Custard- Apple.  ']  he  name  appears  to 
be  a  corruption  of  menona,  by  which  name  this  fruit  is  known 
among  some  of  the  natives  of  the  tropics.  The  genus  con- 
sists of  several  species  of  trees,  some  of  which  produce  ber- 
ries of  the  size  of  an  orange.  One  species  grows  wild  in 
Jamaica,  another  in  Peru,  and  another  in  Carolina. 

Fig.  162. 

The  fruit  is  succulent,  a  little  acid, 
and  very  agreeable  to  new  comers  into 
hot  climates.  In  some  parts  of  South 
America,  it  is  highly  esteemed  as  a  de- 
licious fruit,  and  is  generally  eaten  by 
the  natives  of  the  tropics.  In  some 
species  the  fruit  is  rough  or  netted  as 
in  the  reticulata,  Fig.  182.  In  others 
it  is  smooth. 


What  is  said  of  the  genus  Magnolia  1      What   is  the  custard-apple,  and 
what  is  its  use  7 


DIDYNAMIA.  167 

GENUS  Ranunculus.  Crow-foot.  Name,  from  rana,  the 
Latin  name  of  frog,  because  many  of  the  species  grow  in  wet 
places,  inhabited  by  that  reptile.  This  is  a  large  genus  of 
acrid,  bulbous,  or  tuberous  rooted,  perennial  plants.  We 
have  many  species  in  our  fields  and  meadows,  one  of  which, 
the  Butter  Cup,  (Ranunculus  acris,}  is  very  common  in  rich, 
moist  places.  It  rises  from  one  to  two  feet  high  ;  leaves  cut 
into  three  or  five  principal  divisions  ;  flowers  intensely  yellow, 
and  glossy,  as  though  varnished.  The  root  is  tuberous,  and 
this  as  well  as  the  other  parts  of  the  plant  are  highly  acrid, 
and  will  blister  the  skin.  It  is  said  that  beggars  sometimes 
make  use  of  this  as  a  means  to  produce  blisters,  in  order  to 
excite  compassion.  Some  of  the  species  of  this  genus  are 
double,  and  being  nearly  of  the  size  of  roses  are  highly  valued 
by  florists,  as  commanding  considerable  prices.  The  Double 
Orange  Ranunculus,  (Ranunculus  Asiaticus,)  is  a  splendid 
yellow  flower. 

The  genera   Anemone,  Clematis,  or  Virgin's  Bower,  He- 
patica,  Hellebore,  and  the  Hydropeltis,  are  all  native  plants, 
and  well  worthy  the  examination  of  the  student  in  botany. 
CLASS  XIV.— DIDYNAMIA.      Stamens   4,   2   long  and  2 
short.      Orders  2. 

The  name  of  this  class  comes  from  dis,  twice,          Fig'_°' 
dys,  two,  and  nema,  a  filament,  and  is   under- 
stood to  signify  four  stamens,  two  of  which  are 
longer  than  the  others,    as  represented  by  the 
attached  figure.     This  class  with  the  exception 
of  Gynandria,  and  Syngenesia,  is  the  most  nat- 
ural, and  best  defined  of  all  the  Linnaean  classes. 
It  is  divided  into  two  orders,  called  Gymnosper- 
mia,  and   Angiospermia.     The  first   comes  from 
gymnos,  naked,  and   sperma,  a  seed,    and  there- 
fore means,  that  in  this  order  the  seeds  are  naked.     The  sec- 
ond comes  from  aggeion,  a  vessel,  and  sperma,  a    seed,   and 
signifies  that  the  seeds  are  in  a  vessel,  that  is,  enclosed  in  a 
pericarp. 

ORDER  I. — GYMNOSPERMA.     Stamens  4.     Seeds  4,  naked. 
This  order  answers  to  the  natural  tribe  of  Labiate  plants, 
with  the  exception  of  a  few  genera,  which  are  excluded  from 

What  is  the  origin  of  the  word  Ranunculus  ?  What  is  the  general 
character  of  this  genus  ?  What  is  the  number  and  what  the  comparative 
length  of  the  stamens  in  the  class  Didynamia  ?  How  many  orders  has 
th«  class  Dkiynarnia  <  How  is  the  order  Gymnosperrria  characterized  ? 


DIDYNAM1A. 

this  order,  on  account  of  their  having  only  two  stamens,  and 
which  are  placed  in  the  class  Diandria.  This  order  embra- 
ces many  valuable  herbaceous,  aromatic  genera,  which  are 
in  universal  use  as  kitchen  condiments.  Among  these  are 
the  well  known  Marjoram,  Mint,  Thyme,  Balm,  &c.  Hys- 
sop, Summer  Savory,  Catmint,  Lavender,  Archangel,  Beto- 
ny,  Horehound,  Motherwort  and  Calamint,  also  belong  here. 
GENUS  Nepeta.  Cat-mint.  Name,  said  by  Linnaeus  to  be 
derived  from  Nepet,  a  town  in  Tuscany.  '  Common  Cat-mint, 
(Nepeta  cataria,)  is  said  to  have  had  its  name  from  the  fond- 
ness of  cats  for  this  plant,  especially  when  it  is  withered. 
Hence  it  is  said  that  these  animals  will  destroy  such  plants 
as  have  been  recently  transplanted,  while  they  will  not  touch 
those  that  are  vigorously  growing.  An  English  botanist  con- 
firmed this  by  experiment.  He  set  plants  from  another  part 
of  his  garden,  within  two  feet  of  others  which  were  growing 
from  the  seed,  and  found  by  repeated  trials,  that  these  were 
destroyed  by  the  cats,  while  the  others  remained  untouched. 
The  true  reason  appears  to  be,  that  the  odor  of  the  plant  is 
strongest,  and  therefore  most  attractive  to  the  cats,  when  it  is 
a  little  withered,  or  bruised,  by  the  act  of  transplanting.  The 
old  vulgar  saying, 

"  If  you  set  it, 

The  cats  will  eat  it ; 

If  you  sow  it, 

The  cats  won't  know  it," 
seems  to  be  founded  on  this  observation. 

ORDER  II. — ANGTOSPERMIA.     Stamens  4.      Seeds  many, 
enclosed. 

GENUS  Bignonia.  Trumpet  Flower.  Name,  from  the 
Abbe  Bignon,  librarian  to  Louis  XIV.  This  is  a  genus  of 
beautiful  plants,  most  of  them  climbers,  some  deciduous,  and 
others  evergreen,  and  chiefly  natives  of  hot  climates.  The 
leaves  are  opposite,  pinnate,  ternate,  or  conjugate.  The 
flowers  are  in  panicles,  with  spreading  petals,  of  various 
colors  in  different  species,  as  red,  blue,  yellow,  or  white. 
Bignonia  radicans,  known  under  the  name  of  Trumpet  Flower, 
is  a  native  of  the  southern  states,  and  is  common  by  cultiva- 
tion in  all  parts  of  New  England.  The  flowers  are  yellowish 
scarlet ;  the  corolla  trumpet  shaped,  and  thrice  as  long  as  the 
calyx  ;  leaves  pinnate ;  leaflets  ovate,  acuminate  and  toothed. 

What  plants  fall  under  the  order  Angiospermia  ?  What  well  known 
aromatic  plants  belong  to  the  first  order?  What  is  said  of  the  genus  Big- 
no  nia  ?  - 


DIDYNAMIA.  169 

It  climbs  to  the  height  of  30  or  40  feet,  and  will  adhere  to 
the  side  of  a  wooden  building  with  great  tenacity. 

GENUS  Linn&a.  Name,  in  honor  of  the  celebrated  Carl 
Von  Linne,  ';  the  reformer  of  natural  history,  and  the  father 
of  the  modern  physical  sciences."  This  genus  contains  only 
a  single  species,  called  Linriaea  borealis,  and  is  not  described 
here  on  its  own  account.  It  is  a  small,  branched,  evergreen, 
creeping  plant ;  leaves  opposite  ;  calyx  double  ;  that  of  the 
fruit  two-leaved;  that  of  the  flower  five-parted;  corolla  cam- 
panulate  ;  berry  dry  and  three  celled.  It  rises  about  three 
or  four  inches  from  the  ground,  and  according  to  a  remark 
formerly  quoted,  is  an  "abject,  depressed,"  creeping  plant, 
long  overlooked,  and  when  found,  has  neither  apparent  use 
nor  beauty.  It  is  sometimes  arranged  in  the  class  Tetran- 
dria,  which  would  be  its  place  were  its  stamens  of  the  same 
length.  It  is  a  native  of  Sweden  and  North  America,  and  is 
found  in  mountain  woods. 

GENUS  Digitalis.  Fox  Glove.  Name,  from  digitabulum> 
a  thimble,  in  allusion  to  the  form  of  the  flowers.  This  genus 
contains  about  20  species,  none  of  which  are  natives  of  Ameri- 
ca. The  purple  Fox-glove  (Digitalis  purpurea,)  grows  wild 
in  different  parts  of  Great  Britain,  where,  among  neglected 
hedges  and  copses,  it  is  one  of  the  most  ornamental  flowers. 
There  is  a  variety  bearing  white  flowers.  The  large,  tall, 
crowded  spikes  of  this  species,  give  it  a  conspicuous  appear- 
ance among  the  border  flowers  of  our  gardens.  The  multi- 
tude of  spotted  bell  shaped  corollas,  and  the  high  coloring  of 
the  purple  kind,  give  it  a  very  striking  aspect,  so  that  the 
most  ignorant  and  incurious  spectator  will  always  inquire  its 
name  and  use.  This  species  is  a  violent  poison,  but  at  the 
same  time  a  valuable  medicine.  For  this  purpose  the  leaves 
are  employed,  both  in  powder,  and  in  the  form  of  a  spirituous 
tincture. 

Scrophularia,  (Figwort,)  Antirrhinum,  (Toad-flax,}  Pe- 
dicularis,  (Louse-wort,)  Gerardia  and  Mimulus,  (Monkey- 
flower,)  are  native  genera  belonging  here,  and  are  all  worthy 
of  examination. 

Whence  does  the  plant  Linnaea  derive  its  name  ?  From  what  circum 
tance  does  the  Digitalis  take  its  name  ?  What  are  the  qualities  of  digi- 
talis ? 

15 


1  70  TETRAD  Y  N  AM  IA. 

CLASS  XV.— TETR ADYNAMIA.     Stamens  6.     4  long, 
short.     Orders  2. 

The  name  of  this  class  comes  from  tetra, 
four,  dys,  two,  and  nema,  a  filament,  and  in 
its  present  application  means,  that  the  flowers 
which  belong  here  must  have  six  stamens, 
two  of  which  are  shorter  than  the  others. 
This  is  considered  among  the  most  natural  of 
all  the  Linnaean  classes.  It  is,  indeed,  with 
the  exception  of  a  single  genus,  (Cleome,)  an 
entirely  natural  tribe,  consisting  wholly  of 
cruciform  flowers,  as  Cabbage,  Mustard,  &c.  This  class 
has  usually  been  divided  into  two  orders,  founded  on  the 
length  of  the  pod  which  the  genera  presented.  The  order 
Siliquosa,  including  such  fruit  as  consisted  of  a  long  pod,  and 
Siliculosa,  such  as  presented  a  short  one.  Now  these  distinc- 
tions are  not  only  ambiguous,  and  often  very  perplexing,  (for 
we  cannot  distinguish  by  the  flower,  as  is  usual,  where  a 
specimen  belongs,  but  must  wait  for  the  fruit,)  but  they  also 
prevent  the  distribution  of  the  genera  according  to  the  natural 
affinities.  These  orders  are  therefore  rejected  by  M.  Decan- 
dolle,  and  other  botanists,  and  other  divisions  substituted, 
depending  upon  variations  in  the  relative  position  of  the  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  seed,  and  seed  vessels. 

Our  present  purpose  will  be  answered  by  omitting  to  ar- 
range the  genera  with  reference  to  the  above  named  orders. 
And  by  omitting  the  distinctions  of  M.  Decandolle,  also,  we 
shall  lessen  the  perplexity,  and  add  to  the  comfort  of  our  stu- 
dents. We  should,  however,  recommend  to  them  a  more 
intimate  knowledge  of  this  class  than  can  here  be  obtained. 
Among  the  most  common  plants  of  this  class,  are  Lunaria, 
(Satin  flower,)  Raphanus,  (Radish,)  Brassica,  (Turnip  and 
Cabbage,)  Sinapis,  (Mustard,)  Lepidium,  (Peppergrass,) 
Thlaspi,  (Shepherd's  Purse,)  Sisymbrium,  (Hedge  Mustard,) 
Cheiranthus,  (Wall  Flower,)  and  Nasturtium,  Water  Cress. 
GENUS  Nasturtium.  The  name,  according  to  Pliny, 
comes  from  nasus  torsus,  convulsed  nose,  in  allusion  to  the 
effect  it  produces  on  the  nose  when  eaten.  In  England  tho 

How  may  a  plant  of  the  class  Tetradynamia  be  known  by  its  stamens  ? 
What  is  said  of  the  former  divisions  of  this  class?  What  are  the  names 
of  some  of  the  plants  belonging  to  this  class  ? 


MONADELPHIA. 


17J 


Water  Cress,  which  is  a  species  of  this  genus,  is  a  very 
popular  salad.  It  grows  in  streams  of  water,  and  may  be 
found  in  many  of  our  running  brooks,  and  frequently  in 
ponds.  The  leaves  are  pinnatifid,  with  ovate  segments,  and 
most  of  them  surround  the  stalk  under  the  water.  The  pods 
are  small,  and  stand  nearly  erect,  on  spreading  foot  stalks. 
The  taste  is  like  that  of  Peppergrass,  (Lepidium.)  Near 
Richmansworth,  in  Hertfordshire,  says  London,  there  is  a 
fine  stream  of  water,  on  a  chalky  bottom,  in  which  one  culti- 
vator grows  five  acres  of  this  plant,  and  sends  a  supply  to 
London  every  day  in  the  year,  Sundays  excepted.  There 
are  also  large  plantations  of  it  at  Uxbridge,  Gravesend,  and 
other  places,  for  the  London  market. 

Fig.  185 


The  figure  represents  the  English  cul- 
tivated Water  Cress,  (Nasturtium  offici- 
nale.)  Our  Nasturtion  is  the  Indian 
Cress,  (Tropalum  majus.) 


GENUS  Cochleana.  Scurvy  Grass.  Horse  Radish.  — 
Name  from  cochlear,  a  spoon,  because  the  leaves  are  convex, 
like  the  bowl  of  a  spoon.  Horse  Radish  is  a  well  known 
condiment  to  roast  beef,  veal,  and  other  meats,  especially  in 
the  early  spring,  when  most  salads  are  out  of  season.  The 
root  being  grated  and  mixed  with  vinegar,  is  much  esteemed 
by  the  lovers  of  high  seasoning. 

CLASS  XVI.—  MONADELPHIA.     Orders  7. 


The  name  of  this  class  is  derived  from  the  Greek  Fis 
words  monos,  one,  and  adelphos,  brother,  and  al- 
ludes  to  the  circumstance,  that  the  filaments  of  the 
flowers  belonging  here  are  united  together,  in  some 
part,  or  throughout  the  whole  length.  This  is  the 
characteristic  distinction  of  the  class.  The  anthers 
are  separate,  and  the  filaments  may  also  be  separate 

In  what  manner  is  the  water  cress  cultivated,  and  for  what  purpose  ? 
How  is  the  class  Monadelphia  distinguished  1  What  are  among  the  most 
important  tribes  of  plants  belonging  to  this  class  ?  On  what  do  the  orders 
of  this  class  depend  ? 


172  MONADELPHIA. 

except  at  their  bases.  The  most  important  tribes  in  this 
class,  are  the  Geranium,  the  Passion  Flower,  the  Mallows 
the  Stork's  Bill,  the  Althaea,  the  Hibiscus,  and  the  Camellia, 
which  contains  the  Tea  plant.  The  orders  in  this  class 
depend  on  the  number  of  stamens,  and  not  on  thai  of  the 
styles,  as  in  the  former  classes. 

ORDER  I. — TRIANDRTA.     Stamens  3. 

GENUS  Tamarindus.  Tamarind  tree.  Name  Latinized 
from  the  Arabic  Tamar-hindy,  or  Indian  Date.  The  Tama- 
rind tree  is  a  native  of  the  East  and  West  Indies,  and  of 
Arabia  and  Egypt.  It  is  a  large,  beautiful,  spreading  tree. 
The  leaves  are  abrubtly  pinnate,  composed  of  sixteen  or 
eighteen  pairs  of  sessile  leaflets,  half  an  inch  only  in  length, 
and  one  sixth  of  an  inch  broad,  of  a  bright  green  color, 
downy,  entire,  and  obtuse.  The  flowers  are  in  loose  bunches 
of  five,  or  six,  which  grow  on  the  sides  of  the  branches  ; 
petals  yellowish,  and  beautifully  variegated  with  red  veins  ; 
filaments  purplish,  bearing  incumbent  brownish  anthers ; 
pods,  when  ripe,  of  a  dull  brown  color,  those  from  the  West 
Indies  from  two  to  five  inches  long,  those  from  the  East 
Indies  twice  this  length.  In  the  West  Indies  the  pods  are 
gathered  in  June,  July,  and  August,  when  fully  ripe,  and 
being  placed  in  a  cask,  boiling  syrup  is  poured  on  them 
until  the  vessel  is  full,  when  it  is  headed  up  and  ready  for 
sale.  The  East  India  Tamarinds  are  darker  and  drier,  and 
said  to  be  preserved  without  sugar,  but  by  what  process  we 
are  not  informed. 

GENUS  Tigridia.  Tiger  Flower.  Name,  from  the  spots 
on  its  petals,  which,  however,  rather  resemble  those  of  the 
Leopard.  This  splendid  flower  has  a  two  leaved  spathe,  no 
calyx,  six  petals,  the  two  outer  ones  large,  and  the  filaments 
united  into  a  long  tube  ;  leaves  ensiform,  or  shaped  like  a 
straight  sword,  and  nerved.  This  beautiful  genus  came 
originally  from  Mexico.  It  flowers  in  our  gardens,  but  re- 
quires protection  from  the  winter  frosts. 

There  is  only  one  species,  and  a  single  variety  of  this 
genus. 

In  what  country  does  the  tamarind  tree  grow  and  how  is  its  fruit  pr£ 
served ' 


MONADELPH1A. 

ORDER  II. — PENTANDRIA.      Stamens  5. 
GENUS   Passiflora.     Passion   Flower.—  Fig- 

Thus  called  because  the  anthers  are  so  fix- 
ed to  the  filaments  as  to  represent  a  cross, 
the  emblem  of  Christ's  passion.  This  is  a 
beautiful  genus  of  climbing  plants,  a  part 
of  them  herbaceous  and  a  part  woody. 
There  are  nearly  fifty  species  growing  in 
England,  not  one  of  which,  however,  is  a 
native  of  that  country.  Several  are  from 
America,  but  the  greatest  number  from  the 
West  Indies.  Several  species  and  varie- 
ties are  cultivated  in  the  hot  houses  of  this 
country,  and  few  flowers  are  more  striking  in  appearance,  or 
really  more  beautiful.  Several  of  the  species  bear  fruit,which 
is  highly  delicious.  The  Sweet  Calabash,  (Passiflora  mali- 
formis,)  of  the  West  Indies,  is  one  of  these  species.  The 
flowers  are  large,  and  the  colors,  red,  white,  and  blue,  in 
rings,  as  is  usual  in  this  genus.  The  fruit  is  of  the  size  of  a 
large  apple,  yellow  when  ripe,  with  rind  enclosing  a  sweet 
pulp,  with  many  seeds  of  a  brownish  color.  This  is  served 
up  in  deserts,  and  is  highly  esteemed.  The  common  species, 
(Passiflora  carulea,)  is  one  of  the  most  elegant  of  this  tribe 
In  its  native  country,  (South  America,)  it  has  a  woody  stem, 
of  the  size  of  a  man's  arm,  and  climbs  to  a  great  height. 
Leaves  palmate,  five  parted,  and  entire  ;  involucre  three  leaved. 
Flower,  composed  of  petals,  which  are  white,  and  nec- 
taries, or  crown,  consisting  of  long  threads  within  the  petals, 
and  colored  purple  and  blue.  These  are  not  so  long  as  the 
petals,  (see  the  figure.)  The  pistils  and  stamens  present  a 
contrast  of  various  colors.  The  fruit  is  egg-shaped,  but  is 
not  agreeable  to  the  taste.  The  species  lutea  and  incarnata 
are  natives  of  North  America. 

ORDER  III. — HEPTANDRIA.     Stamens  7. 

GENUS  Pelargonium.  Stork's  bill.  Name  from  pelargos,  a 
stork,  in  allusion  to  the  beak  of  the  fruit,  which  is  thought 
to  resemble  the  bill  of  that  bird.  This  genus  formerly  made 
a  part  of  the  Linnaean  genus  Geranium,  or  Crane's  bill,  from 
which  its  species  have  been  detached,  forming  by  themselves, 
a  vast  and  favored  tribe  of  green-house  plants.  The  small 

Why  is  the  passion  flower  so  called  ?     What  is   said  of  the  passion 
flower  genus  ?     How  does  the  genus  Pelargonium  obtain  its  name  ? 
15 


174  MONADELPHIA. 

genus  Erodium,  (Heron's  bill,)  has  also  been  removed  from  the 
Geraniums. 

These  three  genera  are  all  cultivated  and  known  under 
the  name  of  Geraniums.  They  may  be  distinguished  by  the 
following  descriptions. 

The  genus  Erodium,  (Heron's  bill,)  has  five  stamens  , 
calyx  five  leaved  ;  petals  five,  scales  five  ;  alternate  with  the 
filaments,  and  honey  glands  at  the  base  of  the  stamens  ;  arils 
or  cocci,  five,  one  seeded,  awned,  at  the  base  of  a  rostrate,  or 
beaked  receptacle. 

The  Pelargoniums  have  seven  stamens  ;  calyx  five  parted, 
the  upper  segment  ending  in  a  nectariferous  tube  running 
down  the  peduncle  or  flower  stalk ;  corolla  five  petalled,  ir- 
regular, the  two  upper  petals  unusually  broader,  with  colored 
veins.  The  filaments  are  ten,  of  which  three  are  usually  with- 
out anthers. 

The  Geraniums  have  ten  stamens  ;  calyx  five  leaved  ;  pe- 
tals five,  regular;  glands,  five,  honey  bearing,  and  united  to 
the  base  of  the  longer  filaments. 

The  most  obvious  differences  between  the  three  kinds  when 
in  flower,  are,  1st.  The  Heron's  bill  has  five  stamens,  and 
five  scales  alternating  with  the  filaments.  2d.  The  Stork's 
bill  has  seven  anthers,  and  three  naked  filaments,  with  the 
two  upper  petals  broader  than  the  others,  and  colored  veins 
running  through  them  ;  also  the  upper  segment  of  the  calyx 
ending  in  a  tube,  runs  down  the  foot  stalk.  3d.  The  Crane's 
bill  has  ten  stamens,  and  as  many  anthers  ;  a  regular  corolla, 
that  is,  with  the  petals  alike ;  wants  the  scales  of  the  first, 
and  the  colored  veins,  and  the  tube  running  down  the  foot- 
stalk of  the  second. 

The  Erodiums  consist  of  hardy  plants  of  no  great  beauty. 
The  Geraniums  present  some  beautiful  species,  but  many  of 
them  are  mere  weeds,  possessing  neither  use  nor  beauty,  and 
are  natives  of  different  parts  of  Europe  and  America. 

The  Genus  Pelargonium  came  almost  entirely  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  consist  of  an  immense  number  of 
species  and  varieties.  A  taste  for  this  tribe  seems  to  per- 
vade most  parts  of  the  civilized  world,  there  being  hardly  a 
family  in  the  populous  parts  of  Europe  or  America,  but  what 
have  their  geraniums  as  an  established  part  of  their  house- 
How  are  the  genera  erodium,  pelargonium,  and  geranium  distinguish- 
ed from  each  other  ?  From  what  country  are  most  of  the  pelargoniums 
derived  1 


MOXADELPHIA.  175 

bold  property.  The  number  of  species  described  by  Loudon 
amounts  to  nearly  two  hundred,  besides  a  catalogue  of  179 
varieties.  Mr.  Sweet,  an  English  botanist  and  cultivator,  has 
published  a  work  on  this  tribe,  in  which  not  only  all  the  spe- 
cies formed  by  the  hand  of  nature,  but  the  varieties,  are  de- 
scribed and  figured.  Most  of  the  species  are  tuberous  root- 
ed plants,  or  shrubs,  which  are  perennial  in  the  green-houses 
of  our  climate.  The  majority  of  them  are  of  very  easy  cul- 
tivation, and  bear  the  confined  air  of  sitting  rooms  better  than 
most  ornamental  flowers.  Some  one  of  them  is  in  flower 
nearly  every  month  in  the  year,  and  some  individuals  con- 
tinue to  blossom  during  all  the  summer  months,  and  a  few,  as 
the  Rose  scented,  flower  from  April  to  August.  The  fleshy 
and  thick  stemmed  species,  as  the  holyhock  leaved,  are  by 
far  the  most  rare  and  valuable,  but  are  much  less  easily  cul- 
tivated than  the  more  common  kinds.  The  height  to  which 
the  different  species  grow,  varies  from  six  inches  to  five  feet ; 
there  are  few,  however,  which  rise  higher  than  three  feet. 
These  plants  require  a  rich,  light  soil,  as  a  mixture  of  loam 
and  peat,  or  decayed  leaves  from  the  woods.  Only  a  few  of 
the  Geranium  species,  properly  so  called,  are  cultivated, 
nearly  all  those  generally  called  Geraniums  being  of  the  Pe- 
largonium genus. 

ORDER  IV. — OCTANDRIA.     Stamens  8. 

This  order  contains  only  a  few  rare  plants,  and  nothing 
worthy  of  notice. 

ORDER  V. — DECANDRIA.     Stamens  10. 

GENUS  Geranium.  Crane's  bill.  The  anemone  leaved 
species,  which  came  from  the  Cape,  is  a  most  splendid  plant, 
having  large,  fern-like,  glossy  leaves,  of  the  most  delicate 
green,  with  a  fine  red  blossom,  larger  than  half  a  crown. 
The  Lancashire,  and  Bloody  Species,  are  also  beautiful 
plants.  In  this  country  there  is  a  cr'nmon  native  species, 
called  Spotted  Crane's  bill,  (Geranii.  n  maculatum,)  which 
grows  in  woody  places,  and  bears  a  pretty  purple  flower. 
The  root  is  knotty,  and  is  employed  in  medicine  as  an 
astringent. 

ORDER  VI. — POLYANDRIA.      Stamens  many. 
This  order  contains   several  extensive   genera,  as   Malva, 

What  is  said  of  the  number  of  species  and  varieties  of  the  stork's  bill  '! 
Is  it  the  pelargoniums,  or  the  geraniums,  that  are  chiefly  cultivated  ? 


176  MONADELPHIA. 

(Mallow,)  Hibiscus,  and  Sida.     Also  a  few  important  ones, 
as  Gossypium,  (Cotton,)  and  Camellia,  (Tea.) 

GENUS  Hibiscus.  This  is  one  of  the  Greek  names  of 
Mallow.  The  genus  is  large,  and  contains  some  valuable 
plants.  The  bark  of  one  species,  the  Lime-tree  leaved,  (Hi 
biscus  tiliaceus,}  is  employed  in  the  Sandwich  Islands  for  the 
purpose  of  making  mats,  ropes,  lines,  nets,  &c.  The  whole 
genus  abounds  in  mucilage,  and  some  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  South  Sea  islands,  it  is  said,  suck  the  bark  for  food  in 
times  of  scarcity.  The  Okra,  (Hibiscus  csculcntus,)  so  much 
esteemed  in  some  parts  of  France  and  the  West  Indies,  as 
an  ingredient  in  soups,  is  one  of  this  genus.  This  grows 
four  or  five  feet  high,  and  is  easily  raised  in  our  gardens 
The  Syrian  Mallow,  (Hibiscus  syriacus,)  called  Althaea,  is  a 
well  known  shrub,  growing  eight  or  ten  feet  high,  and  is  so 
hardy  as  to  bear  our  winters.  This  will  propagate  by  layers 
or  cuttings. 

GENUS  Alth&a.  Marsh  Mallow.  Name  from  the  Greek 
altho,  to  cure,  because  it  was  supposed  to  be  highly  effica- 
cious as  a  medicine.  The  common  Marsh  Mallow,  (Alth&a 
officinalis,)  is  still  employed  as  a  demulcent  in  medicine. 
The  Holyhock,  (Alth&a  rasa,)  came  originally  from  China, 
and  affords  twenty  or  thirty  splendid  varieties  of  border 
flowers,  some  of  which  rise  to  the  height  of  ten  or  twelve 
feet. 

GENUS  Gossypium.  Cotton.  Name  from  the  Arabic  goz, 
a  silky  substance,  from  whence  the  Latins  derived  gossypi- 
um,  cotton.  This  is  a  very  important  genus,  as  furnishing 
the  down,  or  wool,  of  which  cotton  cloth  is  made.  The 
down  is  contained  in  a  capsule,  along  with  the  seeds. — 
There  are  several  species  of  this  genus  cultivated  for  this 
purpose,  in  different  parts  of  the  world.  The  genus  con- 
tains ten  species  which  differ  in  height  from  three  to  twelve 
feet.  In  all  the  specks,  the  calyx  is  double,  and  the  cap- 
sules five  celled.  In  he  West  Indies,  the  kind  called  hairy, 
(Gossypium  hirsutum,)  which  grows  three  feet  high,  is 
raised.  This  is  a  handsome  plant,  with  palmated  leaves, 
the  lower  ones  five,  arid  the  upper  ones  three  lobed.  It  is 
believed  that  this  and  the  common  species  are  chiefly  cul- 
tivated m  this  country.  In  China  and  the  East  Indies,  the 

What  important  plants  are  contained  in  the  order  Polyandria  of  this 
class  ?  What  is  said  of  the  genus  Hibiscus  ?  What  species  of  the  Cot 
ton  genus  are  chiefly  cultivated  ? 


MONADELPHIA.  177 

common,  (G.  herbaceum,)  and  the  tree,  (G.  Arboreum,)  kinds 
are  chiefly  cultivated.  The  Tree  Cotton  in  the  East,  is  an 
evergreen,  and  grows  twelve  or  fifteen  feet  high.  The  spe- 
cies which  produces  the  nankeen  colored  cotton  wool  in 
China,  has  not  been  introduced  into  Europe. 

GENUS  Camellia.  Japan  Rose.  Tea  Tree.  Name  in 
honor  of  George  Camellus,  a  Jesuit,  and  the  author  of  some 
learned  works.  This  Genus  contains  some  species,  which, 
in  relation  to  commerce,  are  the  most  important  of  all 
shrubs,  and  others  which  are  universally  admired  for  their 
beauty  and  fragrance.  Bohea  Tea,  (Camellia  Bohea,)  and 
green  Tea,  (Camellia  viridis,)  are  the  species  which  chiefly 
furnish  the  tea  of  commerce.  These  are  both  evergreen 
shrubs,  about  four  feet  high  and  natives  of  China.  In  that 
empire,  the  Tea  districts  extend  from  the  twenty-seventh 
to  the  thirty-fifth  degree  of  north  latitude.  The  plants  are 
raised  from  seeds,  three  or  four  being  placed  together.  The 
young  shoots  require  little  care,  except  now  and  then  re- 
moving the  weeds  from  their  roots.  The  third  year  after 
planting,  the  leaves  are  gathered  in  three  successive  crops, 
in  the  months  of  February,  April,  and  June.  The  gather- 
ing is  a  business  of  care  and  patience.  The  leaves  are 
plucked  off  one  by  one.  At  the  first  gathering  only  the  un- 
expanded  and  most  tender  are  taken  ;  at  the  second,  those 
that  are  nearly  and  quite  full  grown,  the  tenderest  being  se- 
lected ;  and  at  the  third,  the  coarsest,  being  the  refuse  of 
the  other  pickings,  are  taken.  The  first  picking  forms  what 
European  and  American  merchants  call  Imperial  tea,  and 
the  second  and  third,  the  kinds  known  under  the  names  of 
Green,  Black,  and  Bohea  Teas.  It  appears,  therefore,  that 
the  qualities  of  the  tea  depend  on  the  time  at  which  it  is 
picked,  and  not  on  the  species  of  the  plant,  as  was  formerly 
thought. 

The  tea  leaves  being  gathered,  are  cured  in  houses,  which 
contain  from  five  to  ten,  or  twenty  small  furnaces,  about 
three  feet  high,  each  having  at  the  top  a  large  flat  iron 
pan.  There  is  also  a  large  low  table,  covered  with  mats, 
on  which  the  leaves  are  laid  and  rolled  by  workmen  sitting 
round  it.  The  iron  pan  being  heated  by  the  furnace,  a  few 
pounds  of  the  fresh  gathered  leaves  are  put  upon  it,  the 

What  is  the  botanical  name  of  the  Tea  genus  ?  How  are  the  tea  plants 
raised  ?  When  are  the  crops  of  tea  leaves  gathered  ?  On  what  do  the 
different  qualities  of  the  tea  depend  ? 


178  MONADELPHIA. 

most  juicy  leaves  snap,  when  they  first  touch  the  pan,  bo- 
cause  a  little  of  their  moisture  is  turned  into  steam,  and  it 
is  the  business  of  the  workman  to  shift  their  positions  as 
often  as  possible,  with  his  bare  hands,  until  they  become  too 
hot  to  be  easily  endured.  At  this  instance  he  removes  the 
whole  batch  with  a  kind  of  shovel,  and  throws  them  on  the 
mat,  around  which  sit  the  rollers,  who,  taking  small  quan- 
tities at  a  time  in  the  palms  of  their  hands,  roll  them  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  give  each  leaf  a  curl.  At  the  same  time, 
others  blow  the  leaves  with  fans,  in  order  to  make  them 
cool  the  more  quickly,  and  the  longer  to  retain  their  curls. 
This  process  is  repeated  two  or  three  times,  or  until  all  the 
moisture  is  expelled  from  the  leaves,  the  iron  pans  being  less 
heated  at  each  time.  When  the  tea  is  perfectly  dry,  it  is 
thrown  into  boxes  of  various  capacities,  and  is  then  ready  for 
sale.  Dr.  Abel,  from  whose  narrative  these  facts  are  obtain- 
ed, states  that  by  far  the  strongest  tea  he  tasted  in  China,  was 
called  Yutien,  and  was  used  only  on  occasions  of  ceremony. 
This  consisted  of  buds  and  half  expanded  leaves  of  the  plant, 
and  scarcely  colored  the  water. 

The  Japan  Rose,  (Camellia  Japonica,)  is  a  member  of  this 
family.  In  the  gardens  and  groves  of  Japan,  some  of  its 
species  grow  to  the  magnitude  of  trees,  and  with  their  pol- 
ished deep  green  leaves,  their  fine  forms,  and  their  ele- 
gant white,  or  red  flowers,  single,  or  double,  form  one  of 
the  most  splendid  objects  in  the  vegetable  kingdom.  These 
plants  are  greatly  admired  in  China  as  well  as  in  Japan,  and 
many  varieties  exist  in  the  latter  country,  which  have  been 
obtained  in  Europe  and  America.  Eighteen  or  twenty  va- 
rieties, depending  on  the  color  and  size  of  the  flower,  the 
shape  of  the  leaf,  and  whether  the  flower  be  double  or  single, 
are  cultivated  in  England,  and  many  of  them  in  this  country. 
The  single  red  Camellia  grows  by  cuttings  or  layers,  and 
on  this  the  other  varieties  may  be  produced  by  budding  or  en- 
grafting. 

The  generic  description  of  Camellia  is  contained  in 
few  words.  Calyx  imbricated,  many  leaved,  the  inner  leaf- 
lets largest.  The  Camellia  Japonica  is  characterized  by 
"leaves  ovate  acuminate,  acutely  serrate,  flowers  terminal, 
subsolitary." 

How  are  the  tea  leaves  cured  ? 


D1ADELPH1A.  J  79 

CLASS  XVIL— DIADELPHIA.      Stamens  united   in  tun 
parcels.     Orders  4. 

The  name  of  this  class  comes  from  dis,  Fi£-  R- 

twice,  and  adelphos,  a  brother,  and  is  usu- 
ally called  two  brotherhoods,  in  allusion  to 
the  union  of  the  stamens  into  two  distinct 
partis.     Provided  the  stamens  are  in  two 
sets  it  is  not  essential  with  respect  to  num- 
bers how  the  division  is  made.     In  some 
instances  the  stamens  are  equally  divided, 
and  in  others  there  is  a  single  one  in  one 
set,  and  a  half  dozen  or  more  in  the  other ;  the  two  parcels 
are  often  united  at  the  base.     The  orders  are  distinguished 
by  the  number  of  their  stamens.     The  flowers  of  this  class 
are  almost  universally  papilionaceous,  or  butterfly  shaped. 

With  respect  to  this  class  as  applicable  to  the  useful  pur- 
poses of  man,  it  bears  the  very  highest  rank.  All  the  vari- 
eties of  beans,  peas,  vetches  and  lentils  are  Diadelphous 
plants,  and  many  of  the  best  grasses,  as  well  as  a  variety  of 
useful  and  ornamental  trees,  belong  here.  The  genera  are 
very  unequaJy  divided  with  respect  to  the  orders,  nearly 
nine  tenths  of  the  whole  class  having  ten  stamens,  and 
therefore  falling  under  the  order  Decandria. 

ORDER  I.  —  PENTANDRIA.     Stamens  5. 
This   order  contains  only  two  genera,  and  these  are  with- 
out use  or  interest. 

ORDER  II. — HEXANDRIA.     Stamens  6. 
UENUS   Fumaria.     Fumitory.     Name  from  fumus,  smoke, 
in  allusion   to  the  disagreeable  smell  of  the  plant.     Fumaria 
officinalis  was  formerly  used  in  medicine.     The  species  are 
chiefly  handsome  weeds. 

ORDER  III. — OCTANDRIA.  Stamens  8. 
GENUS  Polygala.  Milk-wort.  Name  from  the  Greek 
polu,  much,  and  gala,  milk,  because  some  of  the  species 
were  anciently  supposed  to  excite  the  lactescent  secretions. 
The  only  species  worthy  of  notice  is  the  Rattlesnake  root, 
(Polygala  senega,}  which  is  employed  in  medicine  in  cases 
ot  asthma  and  catarrh.  It  is  said  also  that  the  Indians  em- 
ployed this  root  as  an  antidote  against  the  bite  of  the  rattle- 
How  are  plants  of  the  class  Diadelphia  characterized  ?  How  are  the 
orders  of  this  class  distinguished  ?  What  rank  do  the  plants  of  thjs  class 
bear,  as  applicable  to  the  wants  of  man? 


180  DIADELFHJA. 

snake.     The  plant  is  found  in  our  woods,  grows  about  eigh 
inches  high,  and  bears  a  spike  of  white  flowers. 

ORDER  IV. — DECANDRIA.      Stamens  10. 

GENUS.  Pterocarpus.  Red  Saunders.  Name  from  pteron, 
a  wing,  and  karpos,  fruit,  because  its  pods  have  membranoub 
wings.  The  tree  which  furnishes  the  Red  Saunders,  (Ptero- 
carpus santalinus,)  of  commerce,  grows  in  the  East  Indies,  ana 
attains  the  height  of  60  or  70  feet.  It  has  alternate  branches 
and  winged  leaves,  with  bark  resembling  that  of  the  Alder. 
The  wood  makes  a  fine  red  color,  and  is  the  article  with 
which  apothecaries  color  their  drugs  and  medicines.  L 
yields  its  color  to  spirits,  but  not  to  water. 

GENUS  Phaseolus.  Kidney  Bean.  Name  from  phasclus 
a  little  boat,  which  the  pods  somewhat  resemble.  The  spe- 
cies are  wholesome  food,  and  several  of  them  common  in  om 
gardens.  The  Common,  Scarlet,  Scimetar  leaved,  and  Com- 
mon Dwarf,  are  among  the  best  species.  Loudon  says  thai 
the  Dwarf  kind  may  be  grown  through  the  whole  winter, 
as  a  stove  plant,  and  its  pods  are  as  good  in  mid-winter  as  in 
mid-summer. 

GENUS  Lathyrus.  To  this  genus  belong  the  Sweet  Pea. 
(Lathyrus  odoratus,)  the  Everlasting  Pea,  the  Earth  Pea, 
Lord  Anson's  Pea,  &c. 

Several  species  of  this  tribe  were  employed  as  food  in 
Germany  during  the  last  century,  but  produced  such  terribU 
effects  on  the  consumers,  that  its  use  was  forbidden  by  ar 
edict  of  government.  It  is  said  that  the  flour  of  this  tribe, 
mixed  with  one  half  of  wheat  flour,  makes  fine  bread,  which 
at  first  is  harmless,  but  that  after  a  time  it  brings  on  a  surpris- 
ing rigidity  of  the  limbs,  so  that  such  persons  become  cripple? 
for  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  Swine  fattened  with  this 
meal,  lose  the  use  of  their  limbs  entirely,  but  continue  to 
grow  fat,  lying  on  the  ground.  Fabroni  says  that  swine  lose 
the  use  of  their  limbs,  and  become  pitiable  monsters  by  eat- 
ing  this  flour. 

GENUS  Pisum.  Pea.  Name,  from  the  Celtic.  It  is  the 
most  valuable  of  culinary  legumins,  and  like  many  othej 
domestic  vegetables,  its  native  country  is  unknown,  having 
oeen  in  general  use  from  time  immemorial.  The  species  of 
the  genus  are  few,  viz.  Common  Pea.  (Pisum  sativum,} 
Field  Pea,  (Pisum  arvense,)  and  Sea  Pea,  (P.  maritimum,} 

What  is  said  of  the  lathyrus,  or  sweet  pea  tribe,  as  food  ?  What  num 
oer  of  species  belong  to  the  Pea  genus? 


DIADELPHIA.  181 

The  varieties  of  the  species  are  however  very  numtifous,  and 
differ  widely  from  each  other  in  respect  to  the  height  and 
productiveness  of  the  vines,  and  the  size  and  goodness  of  the 
fruit. 

GENUS  Vicia.  Vetch.  Name,  from  the  Latin,  Vicia.  The 
germs  contains  about  40  species,  but  the  only  one  of  any  con- 
siderable importance  is  the  Garden  Bean,  (Vicia  faba,)  a  spe- 
cies which  forms  the  new  genus  Faba,  as  differing  from  the 
Vicia  in  the  size  and  shape  of  the  legume.  Of  this  there 
are  many  varieties,  among  which  the  small  seeded  Mazagan 
is  the  earliest,  and  the  largest,  the  Windsor  Bean.  Field 
Beans,  which  are  varieties  of  the  garden  kinds,  are  consid- 
ered in  England  excellent  food  for  hard-working  horses,  and 
for  fattening  swine  for  bacon. 

The  student  may,  perhaps,  be  at  a  loss  to  know  how  it  is 
that  the  different  kinds  of  Bean  do  not  belong  to  the  same 
genus.  If  he  will  examine  the  different  kinds,  when  in 
flower,  he  will  observe  the  distinctions.  In  the  genus  Pha- 
seolus,  the  keel,  stamens,  and  style,  are  spirally  twisted  to- 
gether. In  the  genus  Vicia,  the  style  is  transversely  bearded 
beneath  the  stigma,  and  the  three  inferior  segments  of  the 
calyx  are  long  and  straight.  The  legume  of  the  Phaseolus 
tribe  is  compressed,  or  flattened,  and  falcate,  or  sabre-form. 
Seeds,  compressed  and  reniform,  or  kidney-shaped.  Many 
of  this  genus  are  also  annual  evergreen  plants  in  warm  cli- 
mates, that  is,  they  continue  to  blossom  and  produce  fruit  du- 
ring the  whole  year,  and  by  green-house  protection  may  be 
made  to  do  so  in  our  climate. 

The  Vicia  tribe  are  mostly  deciduous  climbers,  that  is, 
strictly  annual  plants.  The  Faba,  or  Garden  Bean,  called 
also  Windsor  Bean,  has,  however,  an  erect  stem,  with  many 
flowers  ;  legumes  pointing  upwards,  short  and  tumid,  not  com- 
pressed like  the  legumes  of  the  Kidney  Beans.  The  Vetch 
tribe  are  not  favorites  for  the  table. 

GENUS  Robinia.  Locust  Tree.  Name,  in  memory  of 
Jean  Robin,  herbist  to  Henry  IV.  of  France.  The  Robinia 
pseudoacacia,  or  Common  Locust,  is  a  well  known,  tall  tree, 
cultivated  every  where,  and  highly  esteemed  by  ship  build- 
ers, on  account  of  the  stiffness  and  durability  of  its  timber. 
The  Rose-acacia,  (Robinia  hispida,)  grows  about  ten  feet  high, 
and  bears  pink  flowers  ;  leaves  pinnate,  with  an  odd  one ; 

What  is  the  difference  between  the  generic  characters  of  the  garden  and 
kidney  beans  ?  What  are  the  plants  mentioned  as  belonging  to  the  genus 
Robinia  1  i 


82  DLADELPHIA. 

stem  hispid,  or  beset  with  bristles ;  flowers  in  axillary  ra 
cemes.     This  is  an  elegant  shrub. 

GENUS  Caragana.  Siberian  Pear  tree.  Name  from  Ca- 
rachana,  the  appellation  of  this  tree  in  Tartary.  This  spe- 
cies was  formerly  confounded  with  Robinia.  Most  of  the 
species  came  originally  from  Siberia,  where  they  only  attain 
the  size  of  shrubs,  from  one  to  six  or  eight  feet  high.  The 
Caragana  Spinosa,  or  thorny  species,  is  beset  with  strong 
sharp  thorns,  several  inches  long,  and  is  admirably  adapted 
to  form  impenetrable  hedges.  About  Pekin,  Professor  Pallas 
says,  they  stick  limbs  of  this  species  in  clay,  on  the  tops  of 
their  walls,  to  prevent  persons  from  getting  over. 

GENUS  Hedysarum.  Name,  from  hedus,  sweet,  and  aroma, 
smell,  because  some  species  have  a  fragrant  smell.  This  is 
a  numerous  genus,  not  remarkable  for  beauty,  but  containing 
several  useful  species,  and  that  curious  plant,  the  turning  He- 
dysarum, (Hedysarum  gyrans,)  or  the  Moving  Plant.  This  is 
a  native  of  Bengal,  and  as  Linnaeus  observes,  a  very  wonder- 
ful plant  on  account  of  its  voluntary  motion,  which  is  not  oc- 
casioned by  any  touch  or  irritation,  as  in  the  Mimosa,  (Sen- 
sitive Plant.)  No  sooner,  continues  Linnaeus,  had  the  plants 
raised  from  seed  acquired  their  ternate  leaves,  than  they  be- 
gan to  be  in  motion,  this  way  and  that  ;  this  movement  did 
not  cease  during  the  whole  course  of  their  vegetation,  nor 
were  they  observant  of  any  time,  order,  or  direction  ;  one 
leaflet  frequently  revolved,  whilst  the  other  on  the  same  peti- 
ole was  quiescent ;  the  whole  plant  was  very  seldom  agi- 
tated, and  that  only  during  the  first  year ;  but  sometimes  most 
of  the  leaflets  would  be  in  motion  at  the  same  time.  This 
motion  does  not  depend  on  any  external  cause,  as  no  artifi- 
cial circumstance,  such  as  touching,  heat,  cold,  darkness,  or 
light,  will  excite  it,  or  prevent  its  continuance. 

Fig.  189. 


The  Moving  Plant,  Fig.  189,  grows 
three  feet  high,  and  is  an  evergreen 
herbaceous  shrub  ;  flower  purple  ; 
leaves  ternate,  or  growing  by  threes 
on  a  foot  stalk,  (see  figure,)  the  lateral 
ones  small. 


Wat  description  is  given  of  the  Hedysarum  gyrans  ? 


DIADELPH1A. 


183 


GENUS  Indigofera.  Indigo  plant.  Name  from  Indigo,  tlie 
color,  and  fcro,  to  bear,  a  plant  bearing  Indigo.  There  are 
many  species  of  this  genus,  mostly  natives  of  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  and  several  of  them  capable  of  yielding  the  blue 
dye.  The  species  grow  from  one  to  four  feet  high,  and  are 
elegant  little  shrubs,  with  pinnate  leaves,  and  purple,  or  pink 
flowers.  Indigo  is  one  of  the  most  profitable  articles  of  cul- 
ture in  Hindostan.  It  is  cultivated  to  some  extent  in  the 
West  Indies.  The  seeds  are  sown  in  drills,  and  the  plants 
are  cut  before  the  flower.  The  coloring  matter  is  obtained 
by  steeping  the  green  plants  in  water,  to  which  it  is  imparted 
in  the  form  of  fecula,  and  which  subsides  to  the  bottom  of  the 
vessel.  The  water  being  strained  through  cloth  bags,  the 
Indigo  is  retained  in  the  form  of  paste,  and  is  then  placed  in 
shallow  boxes,  and  suffered  to  dry  in  the  shade.  Before  it  is 
perfectly  dry,  it  is  cut  into  small  pieces  an  inch  square,  and 
then  being  made  perfectly  dry,  it  is  packed  in  skins,  or  boxes, 
for  sale.  Indigo  is  a  precarious  crop,  on  account  of  its  be 
ingf  liable  to  destruction  by  hail  storms. 

*  Fig.   190. 


The  figure,  190,  represents  the  Indi- 
gofera tinctoria,  the  species  which  is 
cultivated  in  India.  Leaves  pinnate,  of 
four  pairs  ;  spikes,  or  racemes  axillary. 


GENUS  Trifolium.  Trefoil.  Name,  from  tres,  three,  and 
(olium,  a  leaf,  a  plant  with  three  leaves.  Common  Clover, 
(Trifolium  pratense,)  is  a  familiar  example.  Of  this  genus 
there  are  140  or  150  species,  nearly  every  country  having 
one  or  two  native  kinds.  The  Red  and  White  Clover  are 
not  excelled  by  any  species  of  grass,  for  hay,  or  pasture. 

GENUS  Medicago.  Medick.  The  name  appears  to  come 
from  the  circumstance  that  this  plant  was  a  native  of  Media, 
whence  it  is  said  to  have  been  carried  to  Greece,  during  the 
expedition  of  Darius.  This  is  a  large  genus,  and  contains 
several  odd  and  curious  specimens,  and  one  or  two  which  is 
cultivated  as  fodder  for  cattle.  Most  of  these  plants  run,  or 

What  is  said  of  the  Indigo  plant,  and  the  mode  of  procuring  the  Indigo  ? 
How  is  Indigo  prepared  ?  What  common  grass  belongs  to  the  genus  Tri 
olium  ?  What  is  stated  about  the  genus  Medicago  1 


184  POLYDELPHIA. 

trail  upon  the  ground,  though  a  few  rise  to  the  height  of  four 

Or    six   feet   without    support.  Fjg.  ]91. 

Lucern,  Nonesuch,  Snail,  Tur- 

ban,  Medick,  and  several  other 

singular  looking  species  are  of 

this   genus.     Our  figure,   Fig. 

191,  from   Loudon,  represents 

the  Hedgehog   Medick. — The 

Lucern,    (Medicago   sativa,)  is 

cultivated  as  a  grass. 

CLASS   XVIII.— POLYDELPHIA.     Stamens  united  into 
several  parcels.      Orders  2. 

The  name  of  this  class  is  derived  from  polys,  many,  and 
adelphos,  brother  ;  and  signifies  many  brotherhoods  ;  in  allu- 
sion to  the  union  of  the  stamens  into  many  parcels.  It  is  one 
of  the  smallest  of  the  Linnaean  classes,  but  consists  almost 
entirely  of  plants,  remarkable  for  their  beauty,  or  usefulness. 
It  includes  the  Orange,  Lemon,  and  Lime,  and  the  plant  of 
which  chocolate  is  made. 

The  orders  are  distinguished  by  the  number  of  stamens. 

ORDER  I. — DECANDRIA.     Stamens  10  or  12. 

GENUS  Theobroma.  Chocolate  Nut.  Name  of  heathen 
origin,  from  Theos,  God,  and  broma,  food,  in  allusion  to  the 
excellence  of  its  produce.  There  are  two  species  of  the 
Chocolate  Nut  tree,  the  smooth  leaved,  and  the  woolly  leaved. 
It  is  the  former,  (Theobroma  cacao,)  which  produces  the  nut 
from  which  chocolate  is  prepared.  The  tree  grows  sixteen 
feet  high,  and  produces  a  smooth  fruit  about  three  inches  in 
diameter,  with  a  thick  rind,  which  contains  about  twenty-five 
seeds.  These  seeds  being  ground  and  mixed  with  a  little 
arnotto  oil,  and  perhaps  some  other  ingredients,  and  made  in- 
to paste,  form  the  chocolate  of  the  shops. 

ORDER  II. — POLYANDRIA.     Stamens  many. 
GENUS   Citrus.     Orange  Tree.     Origin  of  the  name,  un- 
known.    The  golden  apples  of  the  heathens,  and  the  forbid  • 
den  fruit  of  the  Jews  are  supposed  to  allude  to  this  genus. 

What  are  the  distinctive  characters  of  the  class  Polydelphia  ?  What 
does  the  word  polydelphia  signify  ?  What  important  plants  does  this  class 
include  ?  What  kind  of  tree  produces  the  chocolate  nut,  and  how  is  it 
prepared  ? 


SYNGENESIA.  185 

The  character,  common  to  the  citrus  tribe,  is  that  of  low  ever- 
green shrubs,  with  ovate,  or  oval  lanceolate  leaves,  having 
serrate,  or  entire  margins,  and  glossy  upper  surfaces.  So  far 
as  known,  the  species  are  all  either  from  Asia  or  China.  The 
species  are  only  eight  or  ten,  but  the  varieties  are  numeroua 
There  have  been  several  works  published  on  the  Oranges, 
among  which  that  of  Risso  and  Poiteau,  printed  at  Paris,  in 
]  818,  is  the  most  splendid.  It  is  a  folio  volume,  in  which  are 
described  169  sorts  of  this  fruit,  of  which  105  sorts  are  fig- 
ured, and  their  culture,  both  in  France  and  Italy,  detailed  at 
great  length.  They  are  described  as  Sweet  Oranges,  of 
which  there  are  42  sorts  ;  Bitter  and  Sour  Oranges,  32  sorts  ; 
Bergamots,  5  sorts  ;  Limes,  8  sorts  ;  Shaddocks,  6  sorts  ; 
Lumes,  12  sorts  ;  Lemons,  46  sorts;  Citrons,  17  sorts. 

All  the  sorts  may  be  propagated  by  seeds,  layers,  cuttings, 
engrafting,  or  inoculation. 

The  unengrafted  often  have  axillary  spines,  or  thorns, 
while  the  engrafted,  or  inoculated,  are  without  this  appen- 
dage. The  flowers  are  on  peduncles,  either  axillary  or  ter- 
minal. The  fruits  are  a  large  berry,  round  or  oblong,  and 
generally  of  a  yellow  color.  The  species  are  best  distin- 
guished by  the  petiole,  which  in  the  Orange  and  Shaddock, 
is  winged,  but  in  the  Citron,  Lemon,  and  Lime,  is  naked. 
The  form  of  the  fruit,  although  not  quite  constant,  may  also 
serve  as  a  means  of  distinction.  In  the  Orange,  and  Shad- 
dock, it  is  spherical,  or  nearly  round,  with  a  reddish  yellow,  or 
orange  colored  rind.  In  the  Lime,  the  fruit  is  also  nearly 
spherical,  but  a  little  oblong,  and  the  color  pale  ;  in  the 
Lemon,  it  is  oblong,  with  a  protuberance  at  the  lower  end, 
and  of  a  yellow  color  ;  the  Citron  is  oblong,  with  a  very 
thick  rind.  The  flowers  of  the  Citron  and  Lemon  have  ten 
stamens,  and  those  of  the  Orange  more.  In  this  genus  it  is 
very  difficult  to  determine  what  is  a  species,  and  what  a  va- 
riety. 

CLASS    XIX.— SYNGENESIA.       Stamens   5.       Anthers 
united  by  their  edges.     Orders  5. 

The  name  is  from  the  Greek  syn,  together,  and  genesis, 
origin,  and  means  that  the  anthers  grow  together  in  a  single 

What  are  the  characters  common  to  the  citrus,  or  orange  tribe  ?  How 
may  the  orange  tribe  be  propagated  ?  How  may  the  orange  and  shaddock 
trees  be  distinguished  from  the  other  species  of  this  genus  ? 


SYNGENESIA. 

set,  or  tube.  In  addition  to  the  number  and  union  of  the  sl.a 
metis,  this  class  is  characterized  by  the  flowers  being  com- 
pound, that  is,  many  individual  small  flowers,  or  florets,  as  they 
are  called,  are  clustered  together  on  a  common  receptacle, 
forming  heads,  as  in  the  Daisy,  Dandelion,  and  Thistle 
These  clusters,  or  heads,  are  surrounded  by  a  common  calyx, 
or  more  properly,  an  involucrum. 

This  is  one  of  the  best  denned  and  most  extensive  of  all 
the  Linnaean  classes.  Its  importance  to  man,  is  not,  how 
ever,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  its  genera,  though  it  con 
tains  many  culinary  and  medicinal  plants,  and  a  large  nurnbei 
of  very  popular  ornamental  species. 

The  inflorescence  of  the  Syngenesious  tribe  differs  so  en 
tirely  from  the  classes  heretofore  described,  that  it  becomes 
necessary  to  explain  more  particularly  than  we  have  done, 
the  analogy  between  the  various  parts  of  these  flowers,  and 
those  which  the  student  is  supposed  to  have  already  exam- 
ined, and  also  to  define  the  words  used  in  describing  them. 

The  capitum,  or  head,  is  a  cluster  of  florets  inserted  on  a 
common  receptacle.  Ex.  Thistle,  Dandelion. 

Involucrum,  is  the  calyx,  or  lower  and  most  external  part 
of  the  head,  and  is  composed  of  a  greater  or  less  number 
of  green,  or  colored  leaves,  in  the  form  of  scales,  either 
placed  in  a  single  circular  row,  or  in  several  rows,  one  above 
the  other.  When  these  scales  are  in  a  single  row,  arid  united 
by  their  edges,  the  calyx  is  called  one-leaved,  or  monophyl- 
lous,  when  in  several  rows,  one  above  the  other;  it  is  called 
imbricated.  If  the  external  scales  surround  the  internal  at 
the  base,  the  involucrum  is  said  to  be  calyculated,  or  caly- 
culate. 

The  receptacle  is  the  upper  termination  of  the  stem,  or  stipe, 
enlarged,  and  surrounded  by  the  involucrum.  On  the  ex- 
panded surface  of  the  receptacle  sit  the  florets,  crowded 
thickly  together,  and  forming  the  head. 

Each  floret  consists  of  a  tube  or  corolla,  and  a  germen, 
which,  when  ripe,  forms  the  seed. 

What  does  the  term  Syngenesia  signify  ?  How  many  stamens  have 
the  flowers  of  this  class  ?  Are  the  anthers  distinct  or  not  ?  What  other 
distinctive  characters  has  this  class  besides  those  just  mentioned  ?  What 
is  said  of  the  extent  of  this  class  ?  What  is  the  capitum  or  head  of  a 
compound  flower  1  What  is  the  involucrum  of  a  compound  flower  1  When 
is  the  calyx  monophyllous  ?  When  is  the  calyx  imbricated,  and  when 
calyculate  ?  What  is  the  receptacle  of  a  compound  flower  ? 


SYNGENESIA.  187 

The  corolla  is  placed  on  the  top  of  the  ovarium,  Fi«- 
or  germen.  It  is  either  funnel  shaped  with  the 
upper  part  divided  into  five,  or  sometimes  four 
parts,  in  which  case  the  florets  are  denominated 
tubular,  as  shown  in  Fig.  192,  or  it  is  split  on  one 
side,  and  spread  open,  in  the  form  of  a  strap,  in 
which  case  the  florets  are  called  ligulate,  as  shown  in  the 
right  hand  figure  ;  or  is  divided  into  two  portions,  of  which 
one  is  larger  than  the  other,  when  it  is  called  bilabiate,  or 
two  lipped. 

The  stamens  are  attached  to  the  inside  of  the  corolla,  just 
below  the  mouth,  or  limb.  Their  filaments  are  usually,  but 
not  always,  distinct ;  their  anthers  are  adherent  by  their 
edges,  and  furnished  with  little  membranous  appendages  at 
the  tip. 

The  style  of  the  pistil  is  filiform,  or  thread-like,  and  at  its 
upper  summit  is  split  into  two  linear  spreading  parts  which 
are  the  stigmas ;  or  the  whole  pistil  consists  of  a  single  piece 
from  the  base  to  the  summit,  the  summit  being  the  stigma. 

The  florets  in  this  class  are  either,  1  st,  perfect,  having  sta- 
mens and  styles ;  2d,  barren  or  staminate,  having  only 
stamens;  3d,  fertile  or  pistillate,  having  pistils  only;  or  4th, 
neutral,  that  is,  are  destitute  of  either  stamens  or  styles.  The 
several  orders  are  distinguished  by  the  above  named  circum- 
stances. 

Order  1. — Syngenesia  (Bqualis.  In  this  order  the  florets 
are  all  perfect,  containing  both  stamens  and  styles. 

Order  2. — Syngenesia  superflua.  In  this  the  florets  of  the 
disk,  or  centre,  are  perfect,  while  those  of  the  margin  or  ray, 
contain  only  pistils. 

Order  3. — Syngenesia  frustranea.  Here  the  florets  of  the 
disk  are  perfect,  those  of  the  ray  being  neutral,  that  is,  having 
neither  pistils  nor  stamens. 

Order  4. — Syngenesia  necessaria.  In  this  the  florets  of  the 
disk  have  stamens,  but  no  pistils,  while  those  of  the  ray  have 
pistils  but  no  stamens. 

Order  5. — Syngenesia  segregata.  In  this  the  florets  are 
all  perfect,  like  those  of  the  first  order,  but  it  differs  from 

When  is  the  corolla  of  a  floret  said  to  be  tubular  ?  When  is  the  floret 
called  ligulate  1  When  bilabiate  1  Where  are  the  stamens  attached  in 
this  class  1  How  are  the  stigmas  formed  in  this  class  ?  When  are  the 
florets,  or  flowers  said  to  be  perfect  1  When  barren  ?  When  are  tho 
florets,  or  flowers  fertile  ?  When  neutral  ? 


188  SYNGENESIA. 

that  order  in  having  a  partial  perianth  to  each  floret.  In  all 
the  other  plants  of  this  class  the  florets  are  destitute  of  any 
thing  like  a  distinct  calyx. 

ORDER  I. — SYNGENESIA  ^EQUALIS. 
Flowers  of  the  disk  and  ray  all  perfect. 
JEqualis  signifies  equal,  in  reference  to  the  presence   of 
both  pistils  and  stamens  by  which  this  order  is  distinguished. 
It  is  commonly  divided  into  sections,  as  A,  B,  and  C. 

A.  Florets  all  ligulate.     Ex.  Lettuce,  Dandelion. 

B.  Flowers  in  heads.     Ex.   Burdock,  Thistle. 

C.  Florets    tubular,  forming   a  disk  without  rays.     Ex. 
Boneset,  (Eupatorium.) 

GENUS  Tragopogon.  Goat's  beard.  Name  from  tragos, 
a  goat,  and  pogon,  a  beard.  Salsify,  ( Tragopogon  porrifolius,) 
is  the  only  one  of  this  species  that  is  useful.  It  has  a  long, 
tapering,  small,  white  root,  which  has  the  taste  of  oysters, 
and  hence  is  called  the  vegetable  oyster.  It  is  a  biennial 
garden  plant,  bearing  a  purple  flower,  and  is  cultivated  pre- 
cisely in  the  same  manner  as  the  parsnip  and  carrot.  In  the 
fall,  the  roots  being  first  boiled,  and  then  mixed  with  batter 
and  fried,  form  a  dish  much  like  oyster  fritters  in  taste. 

To  this  order  belong  Lettuce,  (Lactuca,)  Thistle,  (Carduus,) 
Horse  Thistle,  (Cnicus,)  Burdock,  (Arctium,)  and  a  great 
ariety  of  other  common  plants  which  it  is  unnecessary  to 
specify. 

GENUS  Lactuca.  Lettuce.  Name  from  lac,  milk,  on  ac- 
count of  the  milky  juice,  which  flows  copiously  when  any 
part  of  the  plant  is  cut. 

Common  Lettuce,  (Lactuca  sativa,)  is  the  best  known  and 
most  universal  of  all  salads.  Like  many  other  favorite  do- 
mestic plants,  its  native  country  is  unknown.  The  garden 
species  is  supposed,  however,  to  come  from  the  Lactuca 
virosa,  a  poisonous  plant,  and  to  have  been  changed  to  its 
edible  state  by  cultivation.  All  the  species  contain  more  or 
less  of  the  narcotic  property,  and  if  the  milky  juice  of  the 
garden  kinds  be  collected  and  dried,  it  forms  tolerable  opium, 

What  is  the  character  of  the  first  order  ?  What  distinguishes  the  florets 
of  the  section  A  ?  And  what  plants  are  examples?  How  is  section  B  dis- 
tinguished ?  How  is  section  C  distinguished  ?  And  what  are  the  exam- 
ples ?  What  is  said  of  the  genus  Tragopogon  ?  What  is  the  botanical 
name  of  lettuce,  and  whence  does  it  derive  its  name  ? 


SYNGENESIA.  189 

(called  Lactucarium,)  hence  those  who  eat  much  lettuce  be- 
come dull  and  sleepy. 

GENUS  Hieracium.  Hawloweed.  This  name  comes  from 
the  absurd  belief  formerly  entertained,  that  birds  of  prey  made 
use  of  the  juice  of  this  plant  to  assist  their  vision  ;  hence  the 
name,  from  the  Greek  icrax,  which  signifies  Hawk.  It  is  an 
extensive  genus  of  plants,  some  of  the  species  being  found 
in  nearly  every  known  temperate  climate,  In  this  country 
we  have  many  species,  of  which  the  veiny  leaved,  (Hieracium 
venosum^)  is  among  the  prettiest.  The  leaves  are  radical, 
spreading  on  the  ground,  shape  narrow  obovate,  entire,  cili- 
ated and  elegantly  variegated  with  dark  red  veins.  Scape 
erect,  slender,  of  a  dark  brown  color,  and  furnished  with  a 
few  scattering  leaves  ;  flowers  in  a  yellow  panicle.  Grows 
upon  dry  hills. 

GENUS  Cynara.  Artichoke.  Name,  said  to  be  from  the 
Greek  kuon,  a  dog,  because  the  hard  spines  of  the  involucrum 
resemble  the  teeth  of  that  animal.  This  genus  very  much 
resembles  some  of  the  thistles  in  appearance,  and  indeed  they 
both  belong  to  the  same  natural  family.  Two  or  three  spe- 
cies are  cultivated  for  culinary  purposes.  That  called  the 
Globe  Artichoke,  is  a  variety  of  the  garden  kind,  (Cynara  sco- 
lymus,)  and  grows  six  or  eight  feet  high,  bearing  a  purple 
flower.  It  is  a  plant  of  a  very  striking  appearance,  and  being- 
armed  at  all  points,  seems  to  bid  defiance  to  any  common 
assault.  The  eatable  parts  are  the  lower  portion  of  the  leaves 
of  the  calyx ;  also  the  fleshy  receptacle  of  the  flower,  freed 
from  its  bristles  and  seed  down,  and  sometimes  the  central 
leaf  stalk  in  a  blanched  state.  These  parts  being  boiled  and 
dipped  in  melted  butter  are  ready  for  the  palate.  These 
plants  in  our  climate  require  to  be  covered  during  the 
winter  with  straw,  and  if  well  treated  with  manure  will  last 
five  or  six  years.  The  heads  appear  in  June. 

ORDER  II. — SYNGENESIA  SUPERFLUA. 

The  florets  of  the  disk  are  furnished  with  both  stamens 
and  pistils  ;  those  of  the  margin  or  ray  with  pistils  only.  The 
pistils  of  the  ray  therefore  would  seem  to  be  superfluous,  be- 
cause those  of  the  disk  are  perfect  without  them,  and  hence 
the  name  of  the  order,  Superftua,  that  is,  superfluous. 

Whence  does  the  hieracium  derive  its  name  1  What  is  said  of  the 
artichoke  ?  What  are  the  characteristics  of  the  order  Superflua  ?  Why 
is  the  order  named  Superfiua  t 


190  8YNGENE8IA. 

GENUS  Artemisia.  Wormwood.  Name  from  Artemu, 
one  of  the  appellations  of  Cinna,  or  as  Pliny  says,  from  Arte- 
misia, queen  of  Mausolus,  king  of  Caria.  Of  this  genus  there 
are  sixty  or  seventy  species,  one  only  of  which,  the  common 
Wormwood,  (Artemisia  absinthium,)  is  considered  of  much 
use.  This  herb  is  bitter  to  a  proverb,  and  exceedingly  disa- 
greeable to  the  taste  ;  hence  its  specific  name,  absinthium, 
which  signifies  unpleasant.  It  is,  however,  sometimes  em 
ployed  in  medicine  as  a  tonic. 

%GENUS  Aster.  Starwort.  The  name  signifies  a  star,  be- 
cause the  numerous  rays  or  petals  of  this  genus,  around  the 
circumference,  resemble  a  star.  It  is  a  very  numerous  genus, 
a  great  proportion  of  which  are  North  American  plants.  The 
species  rise  from  a  few  inches  to  eight  or  ten  feet  high.  In 
England  they  are  called  Christmas  Daisies,  in  allusion  to 
their  late  flowering,  which  in  this  country  takes  place  chiefly 
from  July  to  October,  and  November.  The  botanical  student 
will  find  an  abundance  of  these  flowers  in  all  parts  of  North 
America,  in  their  season.  Their  colors  are  purple,  red,  blue, 
white,  lilac,  &c.  They  are  found  by  road  sides,  in  open 
fields,  and  in  woods.  The  New  England  Aster  is  one  of  the 
most  conspicuous  species.  The  stem  is  five  or  six  feet  high, 
flowers  large,  dark  purple,  terminal,  and  in  large  clusters. 
Grows  byroad  sides,  and  flowers  in  September. 

GENUS  Solidago.  Golden  rod.  Name  from  the  Latin 
solidari,  to  unite,  in  allusion  to  the  supposed  healing  property 
of  some  of  the  species.  The  species  are  numerous,  and  all 
consist  of  coarse  looking,  herbaceous  plants,  with  yellow 
flowers.  With  the  exception  of  a  few  species,  the  whole 
genus  are  natives  of  North  America.  They  are  to  be  seen 
every  where  by  the  sides  of  fences  in  August,  September  and 
October,  rising  from  two  to  six  or  eight  feet  high,  with  dense 
terminal  racemes,  of  yellow  flowers.  One  species  known 
under  the  name  of  Golden  rod,  (Solidago  odora,)  differs  from 
the  others,  in  having  linear,  lanceolate,  leaves,  which  are 
smooth  on  the  surface,  with  rough  edges,  and  in  possessing  a 
delightful  fragrance  partaking  of  that  of  anise,  and  sassafras. 
The  essential  oil  of  this  species  is  employed,  when  diluted, 
as  a  carminative  remedy.  It  grows  in  low  grounds,  gene- 

What  is  the  scientific  name  of  wormwood,  and  whence  does  it  derive 
its  name  ?  Whence  does  the  genus  Aster  derive  its  name  ?  What  is 
said  of  the  American  asters  ?  What  is  the  derivation  of  the  word  soli- 
dago  ?  What  is  said  of  the  genus  as  a  whole  ? 


SYNGENESIA.  191 

rally  in  the  woods.  The  racemes  of  many  of  the  species  are 
one  sided. 

GENUS  Dahlia.  Name  in  honor  of  Andrew  Dahl,  a  Swe- 
dish botanist,  and  pupil  of  Linnaeus.  This  is  a  small  genus 
of  very  showy  and  easily  cultivated  plants.  They  are  gene- 
ral favorites,  not  only  on  account  of  their  fine  appearance,  but 
also  because  they  .are  in  full  flower,  when  most  of  the  beauties 
of  the  garden  are  out  of  season.  This  genus  came  originally 
from  Mexico,  and  we  believe,  consists  of  only  two  species, 
though  the  varieties  produced  by  cultivation,  are  almost  end- 
less. They  may  be  propagated  by  cuttings,  either  from  the 
young  shoots,  early  in  the  summer,  or  from  the  shoot  roots  in 
the  spring.  Any  number  of  varieties  of  the  single  kind  may 
be  produced  by  sowing  their  seeds. 

GENUS  Chrysanthemum.  Name  from  the  Greek,  chrusos, 
gold,  and  anthos,  a  flower,  because  several  of  the  species 
bear  flowers  of  a  golden  yellow.  The  species  of  this  genus 
are  numerous,  and  the  cultivated  varieties  are  forty  or  fifty  in 
number.  It  is  a  popular  flower  in  China,  whence  most  of  the 
varieties  now  so  fashionable  in  England  and  America  have 
been  derived.  They  are  hardy  green-house  plants,  which 
flower  in  thick  heads  of  various  colors,  chiefly  in  the  months 
of  November,  December  and  January.  These  plants  maybe 
propagated  by  cuttings  taken  from  the  side  branches  at  any 
season,  from  April  to  September.  The  same  may  be  done 
by  suckers. 

ORDER  III. — SYNGENESIA  FRUSTRANEA. 

In  this  order  the  florets  of  the  disk  have  both  stamens  and 
pistils  like  those  of  the  last  order,  but  in  that,  the  florets  ot 
the  ray  have  pistils  only,  while  in  this,  those  of  the  ray  have 
neither  stamens  nor  pistils,  and  hence  the  name  Frustranea 
which  signifies  vain,  or  ineffectual.  The  order  embrace? 
many  showy  genera,  several  of  which  are  cultivated  and 
highly  esteemed  as  ornamental  flowers.  Such  are  the  Sun 
flower,  Rudbeckia,  Coreopsis,  Centaurea,  and  others. 

GENUS  Helianthus.  Sun  flower.  Name,  from  the  Greek 
elios,  the  sun,  and  anthos,  a  flower.  "  Nothing  can  be  a  more 

Whence  does  the  genus  Dahlia  derive  its  name  1  From  what  country 
was  this  genus  derived  1  How  may  the  Dahlia  be  propagated  ?  How 
does  the  genus  Chrysanthemum  derive  its  name?  How  does  the  ordei 
Frustranea  differ  from  superflua  ? 


192  SYNGENESIA. 

complete  ideal  representative  of  the  sun  than  the  gigantic  Sun- 
flower with  its  golden  rays ;  it  is  dedicated  with  great  pro- 
priety to  the  sun,  which  it  never  ceases  to  adore,  (by  turning 
its  disk  towards  him,)  while  the  earth  is  illuminated  by  his 
light ;  when  he  sinks  into  the  west,  the  flowers  of  the  Heli- 
anthus  are  turning  towards  him  ;  and  when  he  rises  in  the 
east,  the  flowers  are  again  ready  to  be  cherished  by  the  first, 
influence  of  his  beams." — Ency.  Plants. 

That  one  of  the  most  elaborate  scientific  works  of  the  age, 
written  or  edited  by  one  of  the  most  learned  botanists  living, 
should  contain  a  repetition  of  this  vulgar,  but  long  ago  ex- 
ploded error,  is  really  unaccountable.  Nearly  all  plants  incline 
towards  the  light,  and  many  flowers,  to  a  certain  degree,  turn 
their  disks  to  the  sun ;  but  whoever  has  taken  notice  of  the 
"  gigantic  Sun  flower"  in  this  respect,  knows  certainly,  that 
this  is  an  exception,  and  that  if  the  several  flowers  on  the 
same,  or  on  different  plants,  be  examined  at  any  hour  in  the 
day,  their  disks  will  be  found  facing  in  all  directions,  indis- 
criminately. Gerard,  an  old  English  writer,  exposed  this 
error  so  long  ago  as  1597  :  "  The  flower  of  the  Sunne,"  says 
he,  "  is  called  in  Latine  Flos  Solis,  taking  that  name  from 
those  who  have  reported  it  to  turne  with  the  sunne,  the 
which  I  could  never  observe  although  I  have  endeavored  to 
finde  out  the  truth  of  it ;  but  I  rather  thinke  it  was  so  called 
because  it  doth  resemble  the  radiant  beams  of  the  sunne, 
whereupon  some  have  called  it  Corona  Solis,  and  Sol  India- 
nus,  the  Indian  Sun  Flower."  Gerard  is  probably  right  with 
respect  to  the  name  of  this  flower,  and  certainly  so  with  re- 
spect to  its  turneing  with  the  sunne. 

Of  this  genus,  which  contains  many  species,  the  gigantic 
Sun  flower,  (Helianthus  annuus,)  is  the  largest  and  best 
known.  It  is  planted  as  an  ornamental  border  flower,  and 
often  attains  the  height  of  fifteen  feet.  Were  it  a  rare  and 
costly  plant,  it  would  be  highly  valued  for  its  uncommon 
beauty,  and  indeed  common  as  it  is,  there  are  few  annual 
flowers  which  rival  it  in  symmetry  of  coloring,  and  none  which 
our  climate  affords,  in  gigantic  magnificence. 

The  Jerusalem  Artichoke,  (Helianthus  tuberosus,)  is  a 
smaller  species  with  a  tuberous  root.  This,  before  the 
discovery  of  the  potato,  was  extensively  raised  as  an  article 

What  is  said  of  the  sun  flower's  turning  with  the  sun  ? 


GYNANDRIA.  193 

of  food,  and  at  the  present  day  is  grown  in  some  parts  of  the 
world,  as  a  substitute  for  that  root. 

The   genus  Coreopsis,  and  the  very  extensive  one,  Cen- 
taurea,  (Ccntaury,)  belong  here.      The  latter  contains   some 
handsome  garden  flowers,  and  one  or  two  medicinal  plants. 
ORDER  IV. — SYNGENESIA  NECESSARIA. 

In  this  order  the  florets  of  the  disk  are  furnished  with 
stamens,  but  have  no  pistils,  while  those  of  the  ray  have 
pistils,  but  no  stamens ;  hence  the  name  Necessaria,  because 
to  perfect  the  seed,  these  two  organs,  the  stamens  and  pis- 
tils, are  necessary  to  each  other.  This  order  is  nearly  bar- 
ren of  interesting  species.  The  most  conspicuous  genera 
are  the  Marygold,  (Calendula,)  the  Ragwort,  (Othonna,)  and 
the  Cotton  Rose,  (Filago.) 

ORDER  V. — SYNGENESIA  SEGREGATA. 

In  this  order  the  florets  contain  both  pistils  and  stamens, 
but  contrary  to  the  other  orders,  each  floret  has  its  own 
calyx,  or  perianth  separate  from  the  general,  or  common 
calyx,  which  only  is  found  in  the  other  orders  ;  hence  the 
name  Segregata,  which  means  separated.  This  is  a  small 
order,  and  contains  no  plants  of  any  impoitance.  Elephant's 
foot,  (Elephantopus,)  and  Globe  Thistle,  (Echinops,)  are  the 
principal  genera.  One  species  of  the  former,  (E.  Carolinia- 
nus,)  is  the  only  plant  of  this  order  contained  in  the  cata- 
logues of  American  Plants. 

CLASS  XX.— GYNANDRIA.     Orders  3. 

The  name  of  this  class  signifies  pistils,  and  Fis- 

stamens,  in  reference  to  their  both  growing 
together.  The  stamens  are  placed  on  the 
pistils,  or  germen. 

The  singular  plants  which  constitute  this 
class,  are  distinguished  from  all  others  by  the 
anomalous  structure  of  their  flowers.  These 
do  not,  as  is  usually  the  case,  contain  a  cer- 
tain number  of  stamens  surrounding  a  central 
ovarium,  (germen,)  or  style,  but  on  the  con- 
rary,  are  furnished  with  a  solitary,  fleshy,  un- 
divided process,  round  which  the  sepals,  (leaves  of  the  calyx,) 

In    the   order  Necessaria,  which  of  the  florets  contain  stamens,  and 
which  contain  pistils  V     What  are  the  characters  of  the  order  Segresntf*  r 
What  does  the  word  Gynandria  signify  ? 
17 


194  GYNANDRIA. 

radiate,  and  which  supplies  the  place  of  stamens  and  style. 
The  nature  of  this  process  has  been  variously  explained  ; 
the  modern  opinion  is,  that  it  is  formed  by  the  accretion  ot 
the  stamens  and  style  into  a  single  mass,  and  this  opinion 
seems  to  be  confirmed  by  analysis  and  analogy.  The  cen- 
tral process,  called  the  column,  is  understood  to  be  formed 
by  the  filaments  of  three  stamens,  surrounding  a  style,  and 
by  mutual  accretion  firmly  united  with  it,  arid  with  each 
other  into  a  solid  mass.  Of  these  three  stamens  it  most 
frequently  happens  that  the  two  lateral  ones  are  sterile,  and 
not  furnished  with  the  vestige  of  an  anthera.  This,  how- 
ever, is  not  always  the  case,  for  in  the  Ladies'  Slipper, 
(Cypripedium,)  the  two  lateral  stamens  are  fertile,  while  the 
central  one  is  barren.  Such  is  the  organization  in  this  class, 
that  it  is  difficult  to  see  how  the  pollen  reaches  the  stigma, 
and  consequently  how  the  seeds  are  perfected,  especially  in 
the  orchis  tribe. 

Gynandrous  plants  are  among  the  most  interesting  vegetable 
productions  of  the  globe,  whether  we  consider  the  vivacity 
of  their  colors,  or  the  singularity  of  their  organization,  or  the 
grotesque  appearance  of  their  roots,  or  the  delicious  perfume 
of  their  flowers.  These  plants  are  widely  distributed,  and  in 
temperate  countries  are  chiefly  found  in  meadows  and  pas- 
tures, among  grass  ;  but  in  tropical  countries  they  often  con- 
stitute the  chief  beauty  of  the  forest,  being  parasites,  and  oc- 
cupying the  forked  branches  of  trees. 

ORDER  I. — MONANDRIA.     Stamen  1. 
This  order  is  divided  into  several  parts,  the  divisions  being 
founded  on  the  situation  of  the  anthers,  and  the  form  of  the 
pollen.     It  contains  most  of  the  plants  in  the  class. 

DIVISION  I.     Anther  terminal,  erect.     Pollen  granular, 
cohering  by  an  elastic  ring. 

GENUS  Orchis.  This  is  the  Greek  name  of  the  plant. 
The  genus  has  a  ringent  corolla.  Lip  spurred  on  the  under 
side  at  the  base  ;  anther  terminal,  adhering.  It  is  a  curious 
and  beautiful  tribe,  many  species  of  which  are  found  in 
New  England.  The  Fimbriated  kind,  (Orchis  Jlmbriata,) 

What  is  the  appearance  of  the  part  of  the  class  Gynandria,  which  an- 
swers to  the  stamens  of  the  other  classes  ?  What  is  the  definition  of  the 
1st  division  in  the  1st  order  of  the  class  Gynandria  ?  What  plants  belong 
to  this  division  t 


GYNANDRIA.  195 

grows  in  our  meadows,  and  rises  to  the  height  of  two  feet ; 
leaves  broad,  lanceolate  ;  flowers  in  a  spike,  each  with  five 
spreading  petals  ;  color  purple ;  gerrns  incurved  and  thick 
ened  in  the  middle  ;  spur  filiform  and  longer  than  the  germ. 
The  root  of  this  genus  is  singular.  Each  stalk  has  at- 
tached to  it  two  bulbs,  or  tubers,  one  of  which  is  withered, 
and  the  other  plump.  The  withered  one  has  produced  the 
growing  plant,  while  the  other  is  destined  to  be  its  successor 
the  next  year.  The  centre  of  the  new  bulb  being  about  an 
inch  from  the  old  one,  the  plant  travels  about  that  distance 
every  year,  so  that  in  a  dozen  years  it  will  be  found  to  have 
marched  a  foot  from  its  former  place.  It  is  from  certain  spe- 
cies of  this  genus  that  the  preparation  called  salep  is  made 
This  is  a  white  powder,  similar  in  its  qualities  to  Sago  and 
Arrow-root.  Brown  has  placed  most  American  Orchidae  un- 
der his  new  genus  Habenaria. 

DIVISION  II.     Anther  parallel  with  the  stigma.     Pollen 
powdery. 

GENUS  Neottia.  Ladies'  tresses.  The  name  is  Greek,  and 
signifies  bird's  nest.  How  it  obtained  its  popular  name  in 
this  country  is  unknown.  One  species,  (Neottia  pubescens,) 
is  called  Rattle  Snake  Plantain,  from  the  singular,  reticulated 
appearance  of  its  leaves.  This  grows  in  dry  places  in  the 
woods,  where  its  leaves  may  be  found  in  March,  forming  a 
kind  of  whorl,  and  lying  flat  on  the  ground.  Color  green, 
veined  with  white,  with  a  lustre  like  velvet.  The  stem  rises 
afterwards  to  the  height  of  a  foot  and  produces  a  spike  of 
white  flowers.  This  plant  is  so  fond  of  its  native  woods,  that 
it  refuses  domestic  culture. 

DIVISION    III.     Anther    terminal,    persistent.      Pollen    pow- 
dery. 

GENUS  Arethusa.  Arethusa  was  a  nymph  of  Diana,  and 
as  the  poets  feigned,  was  transformed  into  a  foun- 
tain.  The  species  are  found  in  moist  places.  Are- 
thusa bulbosa  is  a  native  of  our  meadows.  Stem 
a  foot  high,  and  in  small  plants  leafless ;  in  larger 
ones  a  few  lanceolate  leaves  appear  on  its  upper 
part.  Flower  single,  petals  blue,  and  all  on  one 
side,  forming  a  kind  of  head.  Style  large,  incurv- 
ed like  the  petals,  and  supporting  its  anther  near 
the  end.  It  is  a  beautiful  little  flower,  and  will 
bn  known  by  the  adjdining  figure,  104, 


196  GYNANDRIA. 

DIVISION   IV.      Anther   terminal,    moveable,    and   deciduous 

Pollen  waxy. 

GENUS  Cymbidium.  Name  from  the  Greek,  signifying  a 
little  boat,  in  allusion  to  the  form  of  the  labellum,  or  front 
segment  of  the  flower.  The  tuberous  Cymbidium  is  found 
in  our  meadows,  and  rises  to  the  height  of  a  foot  or  more. 
Root  bulbous  ;  stem  erect,  sheathed  at  the  base,  and  having 
a  single  grass-like  leaf.  Flowers  purple,  with  five  spreading 
petals  ;  inflorescence,  a  spike.  Style  concave,  and  support- 
ing a  terminal  anther.  This  is  a  singular,  and  fine  looking 
plant. 

ORDER  II.     DIANDRIA.     Stamens  2. 

GENUS  Cypripedium.  Ladies'  Slipper.  Name,  from  ku- 
prtSj  Venus,  and  podion,  a  slipper,  in  allusion  to  the  slipper- 
like  form  of  the  labellurn,  or  principal  segment  of  the  flower, 
which  is  commonly  called  the  nectary. 

The  common  species,  (Cypripedium  calceolus,)  is  a  well 
known  garden  flower.  There  are  also  several  wild  species 
growing  in  our  woods,  and  of  these  the  Cypripedium  humile 
is  among  the  most  beautiful.  This  singular  species  grows 
in  the  distant  woods,  seldom  being  found  near  the  habitations 
of  man.  Dr.  Bigelow  describes  it  thus  :  "  The  present 
species  differs  from  the  rest  in  having  no  stem  leaves.  The 
leaves  are  two,  springing  from  the  root,  large,  oval  lanceolate, 
plaited,  downy.  Flower  commonly  single,  terminal,  nod- 
ding. Petals  four,  spreading,  the  two  lateral  ones  narrower, 
and  somewhat  twisted.  Nectary  a  large  purple,  inflated 
bag,  veined,  villous,  and  longer  than  the  petals.  Style, 
over  the  base  of  the  nectary,  supporting  two  lateral  an- 
thers on  the  inside,  and  ending  in  a  broad,  roundish,  deflected, 
acute  lobe,  carinated  on  the  inside."  Flowers  in  May  and 
June. 

ORDER  III.     HEXANDRIA.      Stamens  6. 

GENUS  Aristolochia.  Birthwort.  This  genus  contains  a 
number  of  medicinal  species,  among  which  is  Snake  root, 
(Aristolochia  serpentaria.}  This  root  is  said  to  be  the  sub- 
stance which  the  Egyptian  snake  jugglers  chew  for  the 
purpose  of  stupifying  their  reptiles,  by  spitting  in  their 
mouths.  The  species  is  a  native  of  this  country,  and  is 
much  employed  as  a  tonic  in  medicine,  both  at  home  and 

What  i*  f.V  definition  of  the  4-th  division  of  this  cirder? 


MONCECIA.  J97 

abroad.  The  stem  is  slender,  and  eight  or  ten  inches  high  ; 
leaves  cordate,  oblong,  acuminate  ;  peduncles  radical ;  lip 
of  the  corolla  lanceolate.  The  root  has  a  bitter  taste,  and 
an  aromatic  smell.  The  flower  is  inflated  and  purple.  Grows 
in  woods. 

CLASS  XXL— MONCECIA.     Orders  8. 

The  name  of  this  class  is  derived  from 
the  Greek,  monos,  one,  and  oikos,  house, 
and  signifies,  in  botany,  that  the  sta- 
mens and  pistils  inhabit  the  same  plant. 
The  class  is  thus  distinguished  from 
the  next,  Dicecia,  in  which  the  stamens 
and  pistils  are  on  different  trees.  In 
the  present  class,  the  stamens  and 
pistils,  though  on  the  same  plant,  are 
in  distinct  flowers ;  a  represents  the  stamens,  and  b  the  pistils. 
In  all  the  classes  heretofore  described,  these  parts  are  in  the 
same  flower,  and  as  the  influence  of  the  pollen  of  the  sta- 
mens is  necessary  to  perfect  the  seeds  of  the  pistils,  the  pupil 
will  probably  be  at  a  loss  10  conceive  how  this  influence  is 
exerted,  when  these  parts  are  at  a  distance  from  each  other. 
There  is  no  difficulty  in  this  question.  The  wisdom  of  the 
Creator  has  not  left  so  important  a  matter  without  provision. 
In  many  plants,  as  the  trees,  the  pistillate  and  staminate  flow- 
ers are  placed  indiscriminately  on  all  the  branches,  so  that 
the  pollen  falls  upon,  or  is  wafted  by  the  wind  to  the  stigmas. 
In  the  Cucumber,  and  Gourd,  the  pollen  is  carried  by  insects, 
as  bees,  in  search  of  honey,  from  one  part  to  the  other,  and 
whoever  has  watched  these  insects,  and  observed  them  cov- 
ered with  the.  yellow  dust,  which  is  the  pollen,  will  have  no 
difficulty  in  conceiving  that  an  ample  quantity  may  be  trans- 
ported in  this  mariner.  Moncecia  contains  nearly  all  the  im- 
portant timber  trees  of  temperate  countries,  such  as  the  Oak, 
Birch,  Pine,  Beech,  Wlanut,  &c.  It  also  contains  the  Bread- 
fruit,  an  "article  of  great  importance  as  food  in  some  countries. 
Sprengel,  and  some  other  botanists  have  referred  many  ot 
the  genera  of  Monoecia  to  other  classes,  considering  those 
plants  only  as  belonging  here,  which  have  their  staminate 
and  pistillate  flowers  differently  constructed.  In  some  in- 

What  does  the  word  Monoecia  signify,  and  how  is  this  word  applied  to 
the  situation  of  the  stamens  and  pistils  of  this  class  ?  In  the  flowers  of 
this  class  how  is  the  pollen  said  to  be  transmitted  from  the  anthers  to  the 
stigma?  # 


*98  MONCECIA. 

stances,  the  aments,  or  parts  containing  only  pistillate  flowers, 
and  those  containing  the  staminate  ones,  are  nearly  similar  in 
appearance,  the  only  difference  being  in  the  shape  of  these 
minute  parts.  It  is  by  close  inspection,  only,  therefore,  that 
in  these  instances  this  important  distinction  can  be  ascertained. 
The  orders  depend  on  the  number  of  stamens. 

ORDER  I.  MONANDRIA.  Stamen  1. 
GENUS  Artocarpus.  Bread  Fruit.  Name  from  artos,  bread, 
and  karpos,  fruit,  in  allusion  to  the  use  of  this  fruit  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  bread.  The  true  Bread  fruit,  (Artocarpus  incisia,) 
grows  on  a  tree  about  30  feet  high.  The  leaves  are  large, 
being  two  feet  long  and  about  18  inches  wide.  They  are 
pinnatifid,  and  deeply  gashed.  The  fruit  is  about  the  shape 
and  size  of  a  child's  head,  with  a  rough  net-like  surface  ;  the 
skin  is  thin,  and  it  has  a  small  core  at  the  centre  ;  the  eatable 
part  lies  between  the  skin  and  core  ;  this  is  nearly  as  white 
as  snow,  and  somewhat  of  the  consistence  of  new  bread. 
It  is  eaten  roasted,  and  is  said  to  taste  like  wheat  bread,  mix- 
ed with  Jerusalem  Artichoke.  This  tree  is  distributed  very 
extensively  over  the  Eastern  continent,  and  its  islands,  and 
is  a  striking  instance  of  the  care  which  the  Creator  has 
taken  of  man,  wherever  he  may  be  stationed  ;  for  the  Bread- 
fruit is  often  almost  the  only  food  on  which  the  inhabitants  of 
some  of  these  islands  live. 

ORDER  II.     DIANDRIA.     Stamens  2. 

GENUS  Lemna.  Duck  Meat.  Name  from  the  Greek,  sig- 
nifying a  scale,  in  allusion  to  the  form  and  size  of  this  plant. 
Lesser  Duck  Meat,  (Lemna  minor,)  is  found  in  the  form  of 
small  floating  scales,  on  the  surface  of  stagnant  pools  of  water. 
These  scales,  which  are  the  leaves  of  the  plant,  produce 
minute  white  flowers  from  a  fissure  in  their  margins.  They 
adhere,  two  or  three  together,  by  their  edges,  and  send  down 
thread-like  roots  into  the  mud  below.  These  minute  plants 
often  cover  the  entire  surfaces  of  stagnant  ponds.  It  is  said 
that  ducks  are  fond  of  eating  it. 

ORDER  III.     TRIANDRIA.     Stamens  3. 

GENUS  Typha.  Cat's  Tail.  Name  from  tuphos,  a  marsh,  in 
which  all  the  species  naturally  grow.  This  plant  appears 

What  is  said  of  the  importance  of  the  bread  fruit  as  an  article  of  food  ? 
What  is  the  size  and  form  of  the  plant  called  duck  meat  ? 


MONCECIA.  199 

to  be  a  native  of  nearly  every  part  of  the  world.  The  stem 
is  six  or  eight  feet  high,  straight  and  beautifully  formed. 
Leaves  sword  shaped,  and  four  or  five  feet  long.  These  are 
employed  by  coopers  to  insure  the  tightness  of  their  casks, 
and  by  others  for  making  chair  bottoms,  &c.  The  upper 
part  of  the  compact  spike,  or  catkin,  bears  the  stamens, 
or  barren  flowers,  "and  the  lower  part  the  pistils,  or  fertile 
ones. 

To  this  order  belong  the  sedges,  (Carex,)  a  very  exten- 
sive and  widely  disseminated  genus,  but  of  little  use  or 
beauty. 

ORDER  IV. — TETRANDRIA.     Stamens  4. 

GENUS  Alnus.  Alder.  Name  from  the  Celtic  words  al, 
near,  and  Ian,  the  edge  of  a  river,  in  reference  to  the  wet 
places,  which  this  genus  prefers.  The  species  are  small 
trees,  which  form  thickets  in  wet  places.  Our  most  common 
species  is  the  notch  leaved  Alder,  (Alnus  Fis- 196- 

serrulata,)  leaves  obovate,  serrate,  and  on 
long  petioles.  This  tree  flowers  in  March, 
and  produces,  at  first,  smooth,  pretty  look- 
ing aments,  hanging  in  clusters  of  two  or 
three.  They  afterwards  grow  lax,  and 
emit  a  yellow  dust,  which  is  the  pollen. 
These  are  therefore,  the  staminate,  or  bar- 
ren aments.  The  fertile  ones,  which 
bear  the  pistils,  are  shorter,  and  rigid, 
forming  small  cones,  which  remain  on  the 
tree.  These  parts  are  represented  by  Fig.  196.  The  Beech, 
Mulberry,  Nettle,  and  Box  Tree,  belong  here. 

ORDER  V.     PENTANDRIA.     Stamens  5. 

GENUS  Amaranthus.  Amaranth.  Name  from  the  Greek, 
a,  and  marino,  signifying  not  to  wither,  because  the  flowers  of 
many  of  the  species  retain  their  color  and  form,  when  dried. 
This  is  a  numerous  genus,  some  of  which  are  ornamental, 
but  most  of  them  are  common  weeds.  Prince's  Feather, 
(Amaranthus  hypochondriachus,)  and  Love-lies-bleeding,  (acau- 
datus,)  are  common  garden  species.  White,  and  Tri- 
colored  Coxcomb,  are  also  well  known  species. 

Whence  does  the  genus  Alnus  derive  its  name  ?  Which  are  the  stami- 
nate and  which  the  pistillate  parts  in  Fig.  196  ?  What  is  the  derivation 
of  the  word  Amaranth  ? 


200 


MONOCECIA. 


ORDER  VI.     HEXANDRIA.     Stamens  6. 

GEXUS  Cocos.  Cocoa-nut  tree.  Linnaeus  derives  this 
name  from  the  Greek,  kokkos,  which  signifies  a  kind  of  fruit. 
This  is  a  tree  of  the  palm  kind,  arid  there  are  few  trees  more 
extensively  or  variously  employed.  The  leaves  are  used  to 
thatch,  or  cover  the  roofs  of  houses,  and  to  make  mats  either 
for  sitting,  or  lying  upon  by  the  natives  of  hot  climates.  Of 
the  leaf  when  reduced  to  fine  fibres,  is  also  made  beautiful 
and  costly  carpets,  while  the  coarser  parts  are  made  into 
brooms.  The  tree  grows  to  the  height  of  50  or  60  feet,  and 
has  neither  branch  nor  leaf,  except  at  the  top,  where  there  is 


197- 


Fi£-  198- 


a  large  tuft  of  pinnated  fronds,  as 

represented  by  Fig.  197.     From 

the  top  of  the  tree,  there  is  pro- 

duced a  large  shoot,  which,  when 

boiled,  is  said  to  resemble  brocoli 

in  taste.     This  bears  the  flowers 

and  fruit  which  are  represented 

by  Fig.  198.     The  fruit  is  a  nut, 

whose  husk  is  of  the  size  of  a 

man's  head,  and  when  fully  ripe, 

it  falls  with  the  least  wind.    The 

shell  is  hard,  oval,  and  of  the  size 

of    an  ostrich's    egg.       This   is 

lined    with   a  white   pulpy   sub- 

stance, which  is  hollow,  and  con- 

tains a  quantity  of  liquor,  which, 

when  the  fruit  is  young,  is  clear  like  water,  and  more  than  a 

pint  in  quantity.     As  the  fruit  grows  old,  this  liquor  turns 

milky,  and  is  gradually  absorbed,  by  the  white   pulp,   until 

finally  none  remains.     This  pulp  is  used  by  the  natives  of 

hot  climates  for  food,  and  the  liquid  makes  a  beverage  of 

which  they  are  very  fond.     The  Cocoa-nut  is  grown  in  the 

East  and  West  Indies,  and  is  transported  to  various  parts  of 

the  world  for  sale. 

ORDER  VII.  —  POLYANDRIA.  Stamens  more  thanG. 
GENUS  Sagittaria.  Arrow-head.  Name  from  the  Latin, 
Sagitta,  an  arrow,  in  reference  to  the  arrow-headed  form  of 
the  leaves.  This  is  a  genus  of  considerable  extent,  of  which 
eight  species  are  natives  of  North  America.  Common  Ar- 
row-head, (Sagittaria  sagittifolia,)  is  frequently  to  be  seen 


What  is  said  of  the  uses  of  the  several  parts  of  the  cocoa-nut  tree  ? 


MONCECIA.  201 

by  the  sides  of  ponds  and  rivers,  and  is  the  chief  ornament 
of  such  places.  It  rises  to  the  height  of  two  or  three  feet, 
and  bears  a  close  spike  of  white  flowers.  Leaves  radical, 
large,  distinctly  and  beautifully  arrow-shaped,  with  very  con- 
spicuous veins  ;  scape  somewhat  triangular  ;  petals  three,  or- 
bicular, and  deciduous.  *  It  is  perennial. 

GENUS  Castanea.  Chestnut.  Name  from  Castanea,  a 
town  in  Thessaly,  where  the  most  magnificent  Chestnut  trees 
are  still  to  be  seen.-  It  is  said  that  the  oldest  trees  in  the 
world  are  of  this  kind.  This  tree  is  a  native  of  the  new,  as 
well  as  of  the  old  world,  and  between  them  there  is  no  spe- 
cific difference.  Our  chestnut  is  one  of  the  largest  of  North 
American  forest  trees,  growing  to  the  height  of  80  or  90  feet. 
The  fruit  is  so  highly  esteemed  as  to  be  well  known  in  most 
parts  of  the  world,  being  an  article  of  commerce. 

The  Beech,  (Fagus,}  Hazel  and  Filbert,  (Corylus^)  and 
Walnut,  (Juglans,)  belong  here. 

GENUS  Quercus.  Oak.  Name  from  the  Celtic,  quer,  fine, 
and  cuez,  tree.  Of  this  genus  botanists  enumerate  fifty  or 
sixty  species,  and  many  varieties.  In  North  America,  ac- 
cording to  Dr.  Torrey,  we  have  thirty-four  species  of  the  Oak. 
The  Black,  White,  and  Red  Oak,  are  well  known  forest  and 
timber  trees.  For  the  construction  of  machinery  requiring 
strength  and  durability,  White  Oak  is  considered  superior  to 
all  other  American  woods. 

The  Cork  tree,  (Quercus  suber,)  is  a  member  of  this  family. 
It  is  cultivated  in  Spain,  Portugal,  and  the  south  of  France, 
for  its  cork  bark.  The  exterior  bark  is  the  cork,  which  is 
taken  off  once  in  about  ten  years.  There  is  an  interior  bark 
which  protects  the  tree,  and  which  in  its  Fig.  199. 

turn  becomes  cork.  The  tree  grows  to  the 
height  of  twenty  or  thirty  feet.  The  leaves 
are  oblong,  ovate,  entire,  and  somewhat  re- 
motely serrate,  and  like  other  Oaks,  its  fruit 
is  an  acorn,  Fig.  199.  It  is  said  that  strip- 
ping off  the  bark,  so  far  from  injuring  these 
trees,  is  the  means  of  increasing  their  lon- 
gevity, so  that  trees  which  are  never  barked 
live  only  fifty  or  sixty  years,  while  those 

What  is  said  of  the  name  and  age  of  the  chestnut  tree  ?  What  num- 
ber of  the  Quercus  genus  grow  in  North  America  ?  For  what  purposes 
is  the  wood  of  the  oak  considered  superior  to  all  others  ?  What  is  the  use 
of  the  quercus  suber  ] 


202  MONCECIA. 

which  are  treated  in  the  usual  manner,  live  a  century,  or  more- 
The  bark  is  taken  off  in  large  sheets  from  the  standing  trees, 
and  is  flattened  by  pressure,  or  by  beating  the  convex  sides. 
Both  sides  are  afterwards  burned,  or  charred,  in  order  to  close 
the  transverse  pores.  The  effect  of  this  may  be  seen  in 
large  pieces  of  cork,  but  not  in  bottle  corks,  as  they  are  cut 
in  the  longitudinal  direction  of  the  bark.  Cork  has  many 
uses,  besides  that  of  forming  stoppers.  The  Greeks  made 
sandals  of  it,  and  the  Venetian  ladies,  at  one  time,  wore  cork 
heels  to  their  shoes,  so  high  as  to  raise  their  heads  above 
those  of  the  men.  Poor  people  in  Spain  lay  broad  plates  of 
it  by  their  bed  sides,  to  defend  their  feet  from  the  floor,  and 
sometimes  they  line  the  inside  of  their  houses  with  this 
bark. 

GENUS  Arum.  Dragon-root.  The  origin  of  this  name  is 
doubtful.  The  genus  consists  of  many  species,  some  of 
which  are  tuberous  rooted  perennials,  while  others  are  her- 
baceous annuals.  All  of  them  are  singular  looking  plants. 
The  species  best  known  in  this  country  is  the  Indian  Turnip, 
( Arum  triphy Hum,)  which  grows  in  swamps  and  damp  woods, 
and  flowers  in  May.  The  leaves  are  ternate,  or  in  threes  ; 
scape  a  foot  high,  supporting  a  large,  curiously  formed  flower, 
which  is  sometimes  green,  and  sometimes  elegantly  striped. 
Within  the  flower,  which  is  a  spathe,  there  is  a  club  shaped 
spadix,  of  a  dark  greenish,  or  sometimes  blackish  color.  The 
root  is  globular,  and  exceedingly  acrid  to  the  taste  when  green, 
but  becomes  mild  by  drying  or  boiling. 

ORDER  VIII. — MONADELPHIA.      Stamens  united  into  a 
single  body. 

GENUS  Areca.  Cabbage  tree.  Name,  from  A reec,  which  is 
the  Malabar  name  of  this  tree,  when  old.  When  young,  it  is 
called  Paynga.  This  is  a  tree  of  the  Palm  kind,  which  in 
the  West  Indies  grows  to  the  height  of  forty  feet.  The  es- 
culent species,  (Areca  oleracea,)  which  is  the  only  one  grow- 
ing in  the  West  Indies,  produces  its  edible  part  on  the  top  of 
the  tree.  This  consists  of  the  tender  leaves  before  they  are 
unfolded.  The  sheathes  of  the  leaves  are  closely  pressed 
together  below  their  expanded,  or  green  parts,  forming  a 
white,  and  nearly  solid  mass.  This  being  cut  off,  and  the 

How  is  cork  prepared  for  use  after  it  is  taken  from  the  trees  ?  What 
is  said  of  the  Arum  genus  ? 


MONCECIA  203 

inside,  or  heart  taken  out,  affords  a  delicious  salad,  when  sea 
soned  with  vinegar  and  pepper,  and  is  eaten  in  the  manner 
that  we  eat  cabbage  slaw.     It  is  also  good  when  fried  in 
butter. 

GENUS  Pinus.  Pine.  Name,  from  the  Celtic,  pin.  or  pen, 
signifying  fir-tree.  The  Fir  is  however  a  different  species, 
though  the  two  are  often  confounded.  This  is  among  the  no- 
blest genera  of  forest  trees.  Several  of  the  species  rise  to 
the  height  of  200  feet,  and  are  not  less  remarkable  for  their 
magnificence  and  beauty,  than  for  the  value  and  durability  of 
their  timber.  Of  this  tribe,  or  natural  order,  which  is  called 
Conifera,  or  cone  bearers,  Dr.  Torrey  enumerates  thirty-one 
species  as  natives  of  North  America.  They  are  all  ever- 
greens, and  according  to  Prof.  Lindley,  are  natives  of  vari- 
ous parts  of  the  world,  from  the  perpetual  snow.s  and  inhos- 
pitable climate  of  Arctic  America,  to  the  hottest  regions  of 
the  Indian  Archipelago.  The  largest  and  most  ^riable,  are 
however  chiefly  found  in  the  northern  arid  temperate  parts  of 
the  northern  hemisphere. 

"  No  order,"  says  Prof.  Lindley,  (Nat.  Sys.)  "  is  of  more 
universal  importance  to  mankind  than  this,  whether  we  view 
it  with  reference  to  its  timber,  or  its  secretions.  Gigantic  in 
size,  rapid  in  growth,  noble  in  aspect,  robust  in  constitution, 
these  trees  form  a  considerable  proportion  of  every  wood,  or 
plantation  in  cultivated  countries,  and  of  every  forest  where 
nature  remains  in  a  savage  state."  One  species  of  this  tribe, 
growing  in  New  Zealand,  attains  the  height  of  200  feet.  But 
even  this  is  surpassed  by  some  of  the  Pines  in  North  Amer 
ica,  which  are  said  to  attain  the  height  of  230  feet. 

The  masts  and  spars  of  ships  are  universally  made  of  the 
wood  of  this  genus,  and  a  great  proportion  of  the  lumbei 
which  is  transported  from  one  country  to  another,  is  of  Pine. 
The  resinous  secretions  of  this  tribe,  are  also  of  the  great- 
est consequence  to  man,  and  especially  to  the  interests  01 
commerce.  Tar,  pitch,  and  rosin,  articles  absolutely  indis- 
pensable in  the  preparation  of  ships  for  sea,  all  come  from 
these  species.  Oil  of  turpentine,  Canadian  balsam,  Balm 
of  Gilead,  Venetian  turpentine,  Storax,  and  several  other 
useful  resins,  are  the  products  of  the  Linnaean  genus,  Pi- 
rms. 

This  family  has  been  divided  into  Pinus,  Larix,  (Larches,) 

What  is  said  of  the  size  and  use  of  the  pine  genus  ?  How  has  the 
oine-tree  family  been  divided  1 


204  MONCECIA. 

and  Abies,  (Firs.)  All  the  species  bear  cones,  which  are  of 
various  shapes  and  sizes.  These  are  composed  of  hard 
woody  scales  lying  over  each  other,  which  disposition  ap- 
pears to  be  designed  to  protect  the  stamens  and  pistils  con- 
tained within,  or  under  them. 

The  different  species  are  distinguished  by  the  disposition 
of  the  leaves,  and  the  shape  of  the  cones.  In  most  of  the 
species  which  are  called  Firs,  the  leaves  are  solitary,  or  dis- 
tinct at  the  base,  while  in  the  Pines,  they  are  in  pairs,  or 
twins,  and  are  surrounded  at  the  base  by  a  sheath  common 
to  both.  Some  of  the  Pines,  however,  have  their  leaves  in 
threes,  and  one  or  two  species  in  fives,  and  in  two  or  three 
of  the  Firs,  they  are  in  fours. 

The  most  common  species  of  the  Pine  genus  in  this  coun- 
try are  the  following. 

Yellow  or  Red  Pine,  (Pinus  resinosa.)  Leaves  in  pairs  ; 
cones  ovate-conical,  rounded  at  the  base,  solitary,  half  as  long 
as  the  leaves,  scales  unarmed  ;  sixty  feet  high. 

Scrub  Pine,  (Pinus  Banksiana.)  Leaves  in-  pairs,  divari- 
cating and  oblique  ;  cones  recurved,  twisted  ;  scales  un- 
armed ;  twelve  feet  high. 

Three  leaved  Yellow  Pine,  (Pinus  variabilis.)  Leaves 
twin,  or  ternate  ;  cones  ovate-conical,  nearly  solitary  ;  arms 
of  the  scales  incurved  ;  forty  feet  high. 

Pitch  Pine,  (Pinus  rigida.)  Leaves  in  threes  ;  cones 
ovate  and  clustered ;  sheath  of  the  leaves  short ;  spines  of 
the  scales  reflected  ;  eighty  feet  high. 

White  Pine,  Weymouth  Pine,  (Pinus  strobus.)  Leaves 
in  fives,  and  very  slender  ;  sheathes  short ;  cones  cylindri- 
cal, pendant,  and  longer  than  the  leaves  ;  scales  loose  ;  sixty 
feet  high. 

Balsam  tree.  Fir  tree,  (Pinus  balsamea.)  Leaves  soli- 
tary, or  distinct  at  the  base,  glaucous  or  grayish  beneath,  flat, 
and  sub-erect  above  ;  cones  cylindrical,  erect ;  bracts  short ; 
sixty  feet  high. 

Black  Spruce,  (Pinus  nigra.)  Leaves  solitary,  four  cor- 
nered, erect,  and  straight ;  cones  ovate  ;  scales  elliptical,  erect 
and  wavy  at  the  edge  ;  fifty  feet  high. 

Hemlock-spruce,  (Pinus  Canadensis.)  Leaves  solitary, 
flat,  denticulate,  and  nearly  in  two  rows  ;  cones  ovate, 

How  are  the  several  species  of  this  family  disti»guished  from  each 
other  '  What  are  the  species  of  pine  most  common  in  this  country  ? 


DICECIA 


205 


terminal,  and  scarcely  longer  than  the  leaves  ,  eighty  foet 
high. 

Black  Larch,  Hackmatack,  (Pinus  pendula,)  leaves  many, 
in  a  bundle,  deciduous ;  cones  oblong,  margins  of  the  scales 
inflected.  The  renowned  Cedar  of  Lebanon  is  a  species  of 
Larch. 

GENUS  CucurUta.  Gourd.  Name,  the  Latin  word,  cucur- 
bita,  which  signifies  a  vessel.  This  is  said  to  come  from  the 
Celtic,  cuce,  a  hollow  thing. 

In  this  well  known  genus,  the  staminate  flowers  have  a 
calyx,  which  is  five-toothed,  corolla  five-cleft ;  filaments  3. 
Pistillate  flowers,  calyx  five-toothed,  corolla  five-cleft,  pistil 
three-cleft.  The  species  include  the  Gourd,  Squash,  Pump- 
kin, and  Watermelon,  the  seeds  of  which  are  thickened  at  the 
margin. 

GENUS  Cucumis.  Cucumber.  The  name  is  derived  from 
the  source  explained  above.  The  flowers  are  similar  to 
those  of  the  Gourd  kind,  but  the  seeds  are  sharp  edged,  and 
the  fruit  is  quite  different.  The  Muskmelon  also  belongs 
here. 

CLASS  XXII.— DICECIA.     Orders  13. 

Flowers  containing  the  stamens  on  one  tree,  and  those  containing 

the  pistils  on  another  tree. 

The  name  of  this  class  is  derived 
from  the  Greek,  dis,  twice,  and  oikos, 
a  house,  in  reference  to  the  stamens 
and  pistils  being  on  two  distinct 
plants.  This  class  contains  a  con- 
siderable number  of  important  genera, 
the  most  extensive  of  which  is  the 
Salix,  or  Willow.  The  Poplar,  Ju- 
niper, Nutmeg,  Yew  tree,  Hop, 
Hemp,  Date  Palm,  and  Pitcher  Plant, 
are  also  Dioecious  plants. 

The  difference  between  the  plants  which  hear  the  stamens, 
and  those  containing  the  pistils,  is  not  commonly  obvious 
except  by  close  inspection  of  the  flowers  of  each.  In  some 
instances,  however,  there  is  a  difference  in  the  size,  or  shape 

In  the  gourd  family  what  is  the  difference  between  staminate  and  pis- 
tillate flowers  ?  What  does  the  denomination  of  the  class  Dioecia  signify  ? 
In  what  respects  do  the  plants  of  this  class  differ  from  those  of  Monoecia  ? 
In  the  willow  how  may  the  barren  aments  be  distinguished  from  the  fertile 
ones  ? 

18 


Fig.  V 


•206 


DICECIA. 


of  the  staminate  and  pistillate  aments  of  flowers.  By  com 
paring  these  parts  from  different  trees,  the  pupil  will  soon  bo 
bale  to  distinguish  the  difference,  and  to  determine  which 
tree  will  bear  fruit,  and  which  not.  In  the  Salix,  or  Willow, 
for  instance,  each  ament  contains  many  stamens,  or  pistils, 
the  scales  of  which  the  ament  is  chiefly  formed,  serving  as 
calyxes  to  each  individual  flower. 

In  the  staminate  or  barren  florets,  there  are  from  one  to  five 
stamens,  with  a  nectariferous  gland  at  the  base.  In  the  pis- 
tillate or  fertile  florets  there  are  two  stigmas. 

These  flowers  are  neither  corolla  nor  perianth.  The  sta- 
minate aments  may  readily  be  distinguished  in  some  of  the 
species,  by  the  yellow  anthers,  which  are  elevated  by  their 
filaments  considerably  above  the  scales  of  the  ament.  In  the 
Swamp  Willow,  (Salix  eriocephala,)  a  small  tree  growing  in 
wet  places,  the  erect, downy  aments  are  very  conspicuous  in 
the  early  spring.  In  this  species  the  fertile  aments  are  the 
longest,  and  may  also  be  known  by  their  wanting  the  yellow 
anthers  which  distinguish  the  barren  trees. 

In  this  class  the  orders  are  distinguished  by  the  number 
and  situation  of  the  stamens. 

ORDER  I. — MONANDRIA.     Stamen  1. 

GENUS  Pandanus.  Screw-Pine.  Name  from  the  Malay 
Pandang,  by  which  word  this  tree  is  known.  Its  common 
name  appears  to  have  come  from  the  direction  of  the  grain  of 
the  bark,  which  runs  around  the  body  of  the  tree,  instead  of 
lengthwise,  as  is  usual. 

The  species  Odoratissimus  is  a  large  spreading  bush,  and 
is  cultivated  in  Japan  on  account  of  its  perfume,  which  of  all 
perfumes  is  said  to  be  the  richest,  most  powerful,  and  most 
delightful.  Of  the  leaves  of  this  tree;  the  Sandwich  Islanders 
make  their  finest  and  most  beautiful  mats. 

ORDER  II. — DIANDRIA.     Stamens  2. 

GENUS  Salix.  Willow.  Name,  from  the  Celtic,  sal, 
near,  and  lis,  water.  This  is  a  very  large  and  widely  diffused 
genus.  It  grows  in  nearly  every  climate  and  soil,  some  of 
its  species  inhabiting  Lapland,  and  Siberia,  while  others  are 
found  in  the  East  Indies,  and  the  Levant.  Thirty-five  species 
are  natives  of  North  America. — (Torrey.)  Besides  which, 

How  are  the  orders  of  this  class  distinguished  ?  Are  the  willows  cor> 
fined  to  any  particular  climate  or  not  ? 


DICECIA.  207 

we  have  several  exotic  species,  and  among  them  the  Weep- 
ing Willow,  (Salix  Babylonica.)  This  is  a  native  of  the 
East,  and  was  introduced  into  England  from  the  Levant,  in 
1692,  and  from  England  to  America.  It  has  been  said  that 
the  celebrated  Pope  introduced  this  tree  into  England,  but 
this  appears  to  be  a  mistake,  since  he  was  only  a  few  years 
old  at  the  time  of  its  introduction.  The  celebrated  specimen 
of  this  tree  which  stood  in  the  poet's  garden  at  Twickenham, 
was  a  cutting  from  some  rods  employed  in  a  package  which 
came  from  Spain.  Pope  being  present  when  the  package 
was  opened,  observed  that  one  of  the  rods  was  still  green, 
and  under  the  impression  that  it  might  produce  something 
new  in  England,  planted  it  in  his  garden.  From  this  came 
Pope's  famous  willow,  so  often  mentioned  by  travellers,  and 
which,  though  it  has  given  rise  to  many  others,  is  not  the 
parent  tree  of  all  the  others,  nor  was  it  the  first  in  that 
country. — Enc.  of  Plants. 

The  Yellow  Willow,  (Salix  vitellina,)  is  a  native  of  Eu- 
rope, though  so  generally  disseminated  as  often  to  be  thought 
an  indigenous  tree.  It  is  believed  that  we  have  only  the  pis- 
tillate tree  in  this  country,  and  hence  the  Willow  can  only  be 
cultivated  from  the  roots,  or  by  layers. 

ORDER  III. — TRIANDRIA.     Stamens  3. 

GENUS  Phoenix.  Date  Palm.  Phoenix  is  the  Greek  name 
for  the  Date,  probably  from  Phoenicia,  whence  the  best  kinds 
were  brought.  The  common  Date  Palm,  (Ph&nix  dactylifera,) 
is  a  lofty  tree  of  the  Palm  kind,  which  grows  in  the  Levant, 
and  East  Indies.  The  Date  is  a  stone  fruit,  which,  being 
dried,  is  sent  to  most  parts  of  the  world.  In  Arabia  and  Per- 
sia this  fruit  makes  a  considerable  part  of  the  food  of  the 
poorer  classes,  and  the  stones  are  ground  into  provender  for 
their  camels. 

ORDER  IV. — TETRANDRIA.     Stamens  4. 

GENUS  Myrica.  Candleberry.  Myrtle.  Name  from  the 
Greek  muro,  to  flow,  because  these  plants  grow  on  the  banks 
of  rivers.  There  are  several  species  of  this  genus  growing 
in  different  parts  of  this  country.  The  Bayberry,  (Myrica 
cerifera,)  produces  the  substance  called  bayberry  tallow.  This 
shrub  or  bush  grows  four  or  five  feet  high,  and  produces 
abundance  of  grey,  hard  berries,  about  the  size  of  allspice. 
To  obtain  the  tallow,  these  are  picked  in  the  fall,  and  thrown 


208  DKEC1A. 

into  boiling  water.  The  tallow,  which  is  on  the  outside, 
being  thus  melted,  rises  to  the  surface  and  is  skimmed  off. 
I  is  afterwards  purified  by  re-melting,  when  it  is  of  a  green- 
ish color,  and  very  hard  and  heavy.  This  is  sometimes 
mixed  with  common  tallow  to  make  candles  for  summer  use, 
and  which  are  not  liable  to  the  usual  inconveniences  of  bend- 
ing, or  melting  in  hot  weather. 

ORDER  Y. — PENTANDRIA.     Stamens  5. 

GENUS  Humulus.  Hop.  Name  from  the  Latin  humus, 
moist  or  fresh  earth,  because  the  hop  will  not  grow  in  a  poor 
dry  soil.  Our  word  hop  comes  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  hop- 
pan,  which  signifies  to  climb. 

This  plant  and  its  uses  are  so  universally  known,  as  not  to 
require  description.  The  Pepperidge  or  Tupelo,  (Nyssa  vil- 
losa,)  and  the  Prickly  Ash,  (Xanthoxylum  fraxinum,)  belongs 
here. 

ORDER  VI. — HEXANDRIA.     Stamens  6. 

GENUS  Smilax.  Name  from  the  Greek,  signifying  a. grater, 
in  allusion  to  the  prickles  which  beset  the  species.  One 
species  of  this  genus,  called  Green  Briar,  ( Smilax  rotundifo- 
lium,)  is  a  well  known  and  very  troublesome  native  of  our 
woods  and  hedges.  The  stem  is  small,  round,  woody,  very 
strong,  and  of  a  green  color ;  leaves  heart-ovate,  and  five 
nerved;  flowers  in  small  umbels  on  axillary  stalks;  fruit  a 
bunch  of  bluish  black  berries,  which  remain  during  the 
winter.  This  plant  climbs  on  trees  and  bushes,  and  being 
armed  with  strong  sharp  prickles,  often  forms  thickets  which 
are  impenetrable  to  man  or  beast. 

ORDER  VII. — OCTANDRIA.     Stamens  8. 

GENUS  Pppulus.  Poplar.  Bullet  says,  that  the  Poplar 
has  obtained  its  name  from  the  motion  of  its  leaves,  which 
are  in  a  perpetual  state  of  agitation  like  the  populace.  Others 
say  that  it  comes  from  arbor  populi,  tree  of  the  people,  be- 
cause the  public  squares  of  Rome  were  planted  with  it. 

The  genus  consists  of  ten  native,  and  many  foreign  spe- 
cies, all  of  them  trees,  from  30  to  80,  or  90  feet  high.  The 
Tacamahack,  (Populus  balsamifera,)  a  native  species,  is  some- 
times a  large  tree,  rising  to  the  height  of  70  or  80  feet ;  leaves 
ovate,  acuminate,  white,  and  netted  underneath.  The  buds 

Whence  >s  it  said  that  the  Poplar  obtained  its  name  ? 


DKECIA.  209 

of  this  tree  are  large,  and  covered  with  an  abundance  of  yel- 
low, glutinous  balsam,  which  sometimes  drops  on  the  ground 
In  Canada,  these  buds  are  collected,  and  the  balsam  obtained 
by  pressure,  for  medicinal  purposes.  The  Lombardy  Pop- 
lar, (Populus  dilatata,)  is  a  native  of  Italy,  and  like  all  othex 
trees  of  rapid  growth,  is  short  lived.  These  trees,  so  far  as 
we  know,  are  all  staminate,  and  it  is  said  that  the  pistillate 
plant  of  this  species  has  not  been  brought  to  America,  hence 
no  fruit  from  this  tree  has  been  produced. 

ORDER  VIII. — DECANDRIA.     Stamens  10. 
This  contains  no  interesting  or  common  plant. 

ORDER  IX. — DODECANDRIA.     Stamens  12. 

GENUS  Cocculus.  This  is  a  small  tree,  which  bears  a 
black  berry,  in  bunches  like  grapes.  This  being  ground  and 
made  into  paste  with  flour,  is  used  to  intoxicate  fish,  and 
oirds,  so  that  they  may  be  caught. 

ORDER   X. — ICOSANDRIA.      Stamens  many,   inserted  on   the 

calyx. 
It  contains  nothing  important. 

ORDER  XI. — POLYANDRIA.     Stamens   many,   inserted  under 
the  germen. 

This  order  is  also  barren  of  interesting  or  common  native 
species. 

ORDER  XII. — MONADELPHIA.      Stamens  united  into  one  body. 

GENUS  Ruscus.     Butchers'  Broom.     This  is  a  genus  of 
small  evergreen  shrubs,   which  are    curious  on  account  of 
bearing  their  flowers  and  fruit  on  their 
leaves,  as  represented  by    Fig.   201.  Fig.  201. 

The  flower,  however,  does  not  pro- 
perly grow  out  of  the  leaf,  but  on  a  foot 
stalk  of  its  own,  which  runs  under  the 
outer  coat  of  the  leaf,  and  comes  out 
near  its  middle.  This  is  ascertained 
by  dissection.  The  pistillate  flowers  are 
succeeded  by  red  berries,  nearly  the 
size  of  cherries,  and  sweet  to  the  taste. 
The  green  shoots  of  this  plant  were  for- 

What  is  the  definition  of  the  order  Icosandria  ?     What  is  the  definition 
of  the  order  Poly  andria  ?  What  is  the  definition  of  the  order  Monadelphia  ? 
What  peculiarity  does  the  ruscus,  or  butchers'  broom  exhibit  ? 
18* 


210 


POLYOAMIA. 


20-2 


merly  used  by  butchers,  to  sweep  tbeir  blocks,   whence  the 
common  name. 

The  Juniper,  Yew  tree,  and  Nepenthes,  or  Chinese  Pitcher 
Plant,  belong  to  the  present  class  and  order. 

GENUS  Myristica.  Nutmeg.  Name  from  the  Greek, 
murra,  myrrh,  on  account  of  its  odor.  The  True  Nutmeg, 
(Myristica  moschata,)  is  a  tree  about  thirty  feet  high,  which 
is  cultivated  in  the  East  Indies  for  its  fruit.  The  tree  yields 
three  crops  annually.  The  entire  fruit  is  about  the  size  of  a 
peach,  and  like  it  has  a  furrow  on  one  side.  The  external 
covering  is  smooth,  fleshy,  and  bitter.  As  this  dries  it  bursts 
and  discloses  the  next  coat,  which  is  the  mace  of  commerce. 
Within  the  mace,  is  enclosed  the  nut,  which  is  a  kernel  of  a 
dark  brown  color,  well  known  under  the 
name  of  Nutmeg.  The  external  coat 
and  the  mace,  are  taken  off  at  the  time  of 
gathering  the  fruit.  The  mace  is  dried 
in  the  sun,  being  now  and  then  sprinkled 
with  salt  water  for  its  preservation.  The 
riut  is  exposed  to  heat  and  smoke  for 
three  months,  after  which  it  is  thrown 
into  strong  lime  water,  then  dried  and 
packed  up  for  sale.  All  this  is  said  to 
be  necessary  for  their  preservation.  The 
Fig.  (202)  represents  the  fruit  at  the 
time  of  gathering,  with  a  small  branch 
of  the  tree. 

CLASS  XXIIL— POLYGAMIA.     Order*  3. 

Flowers  either  staminate,  pistillate,   or  perfect,  upon  the  same, 

or  on  different  plants. 

This  class  differs  from  the  two  Fi«  w- 

preceding  ones,  in  having  not  only 
the  stamens  and  pistils  in  different 
flowers  upon  the  same  individual, 
as  in  Monoecia,  or  upon  separate 
individuals,  as  in  Dioecia,  but  also 
in  having  the  two  parts  combined 
in  one  flower,  and  mixed  with 
those  which  are  either  staminate 
or  pistillate. 

This  class,  though  still  retained 
by  some  of  the  best  writers,  ought  undoubtedly  to  be  dis- 

In  what  manner  does  the  nutmeg  grow  ? 


POLYGAMIA.  211 

solved,  and  its  genera  distributed  to  other  classes.  All  tho 
genera,  with  perhaps  two  or  three  exceptions,  might  be  thus 
transferred,  without  doing  any  considerable  violence  to  the 
symmetry  of  the  Linnaean  arrangement.  Several  genera  at 
present  arranged  here,  are  of  considerable  importance,  such 
as  the  Ash,  (Fraxinus,)  Maple,  (Acer,)  Sensitive  Plant, 
(Mimosa,)  &c. 

ORDER  I. — MONCECIA. 

GENUS  Acacia.  The  Greek  name  for  one  of  the  species 
of  this  genus.  The  species  resemble  those  of  the  genus 
Mimosa,  from  which  they  have  been  separated.  Acacia 
Arabica  produces  the  gum  Arabic  of  the  shops.  This  is  a 
low  tree  with  crooked  stems,  and  withered  appearance,  which 
grows  in  most  parts  of  Africa.  The  gum  exudes  naturally 
from  the  bark  and  hardens  in  the  sun.  That  which  comes 
to  Europe  and  America,  is  gathered,  chiefly,  in  the  Atlas 
Mountains. 

GENUS  Acer.  Maple.  Name,  a  Latin  word,  signifying 
sharp,  or  vigorous  ;  probably  so  called  because  the  heads  of 
war  pikes  were  formerly  made  of  this  wood. 

This  genus  contains  many  species,  several  of  which  are 
well  known  in  most  parts  of  North  America.  The  Sugar 
Maple,  (Acer  saccharinum,)  is  a  large  tree,  and  is  valuable  in 
some  parts  of  our  country,  on  account  of  its  affording  sap  in 
the  spring  of  the  year,  from  which  sugar  is  made.  A  tree  oj 
ordinary  size  yields  from  twenty  to  thirty  gallons  of  sap,  which 
produces  from  five  to  eight  pounds  of  sugar.  This  species 
also  affords  the  beautiful  variety  called  bird's  eye  Maple,  of 
which  cabinet  furniture  is  made. 

Red  Maple,  (Acer  rubrum,)  also  called  Swamp  Maple,  is 
likewise  a  large  tree,  growing  in  swamps  and  wet  places. 
The  leaves  are  on  long  petioles,  five-lobed,  and  serrated.  In 
the  flowers  which  contain  both  stamens  and  pistils,  the  calyx 
is  five  parted  ;  the  corolla  five  petaled,  the  stamens  eight,  and 
the  styles  two.  These  flowers  produce  the  red  samara,  or 
winged  seed  vessels,  so  conspicuous  on  this  tree,  and  which 
are  called  maple  keys.  The  staminate,  or  barren  flowers, 
have  a  five  parted  calyx,  five  petals,  and  eight  stamens,  like 
the  others,  but  have  no  pistils,  and  hence  produce  no  fruit. 

How  does  the  class  Polygamia  differ  from  Monoecia  and  Dioecia? 
From  what  plant  and  in  what  manner  is  gum  Arabic  produced?  What  is 
said  of  the  Acer,  or  maple  genus  ? 


212  POLYGAMIA. 

TUn  wood  of  this  species  is  heavy  and  close  grained,  and  is 
in  general  use  for  chairs,  tables,  &c.  The  curled  maple,  so 
much  esteemed  in  cabinet  work,  for  its  waved  or  shaded  sur- 
face when  polished,  is  a  variety  of  this  species. 

ORDER  II. — DIGECIA. 

GENUS  Fraocinus.  Ash  tree.  Name  from  the  Greek, 
jphraxiSj  a  separation,  in  allusion  to  the  facility  with  which 
this  wood  splits.  The  English  name  comes  from  the  Celtic 
CBSC,  a  pike,  because  the  shafts  of  pikes  were  made  of  this 
wood.  The  genus  contains  thirty  or  forty  species,  and  several 
varieties.  In  North  America  we  have  nine  species,  among 
which  the  White  Ash,  (Fraxinus  Americanus,)  is  the  most 
valuable.  This  tree  grows  to  the  height  of  eighty  or  ninety 
feet ;  stem  straight ;  branches  opposite,  and  bark  of  a  light 
ash  color.  In  the  perfect  flowers  the  calyx  is  four  parted ; 
corolla  four  petaled ;  stamens  two ;  pistil  one  ;  samara  one 
seeded.  In  the  pistillate  flowers,  which  are  on  a  distinct  tree, 
the  stamens  are  wanting ;  in  other  respects  they  are  as  above 
described. 

GENUS  Fiscus.  Fig.  Fiscus  is  the  Latin  name  of  this 
plant.  The  genus  embraces  about  fifty  species,  all  natives 
of  warm  climates,  and  many  of  them  differing  from  each  other 
in  nearly  every  respect.  The  flowering  of  this  genus  is 
quite  peculiar.  The  green  fruit  is  a  hollow  calyx,  or  recep- 
tacle, in  which  the  flowers  are  contained.  In  most  of  the 
species,  the  stamens  and  pistils  are  on  different  plants,  and  the 
seeds,  therefore,  could  not  be  perfected  in  any  of  the  species, 
were  it  not  for  the  help  of  certain  minute  flies,  which  in  their 
search  for  honey  carry  the  pollen  from  the  anthers  of  one 
flower  to  the  stigmas  of  another.  This  wonderful  provision 
displays  at  once  the  care  and  beneficence  of  the  Creator; 
for  while  on  the  one  hand  it  insures  the  perpetuity  of  several 
plants  of  great  importance  to  man,  on  the  other,  it  allows  the 
pleasure  of  existence  to  a  tribe  of  insects  which  appear  to 
be  designed  for  this  very  purpose. 

The  figure,  204,  represents  the  section  of  a          Fig.j204. 
common  fig  in  its  green  state,  showing  the  situ- 
ation of  its  flowers.     As   the  fruit  grows,  this 
cavity  is  pushed  outwards,  or  filled  up,  so  that 
when  ripe,  no  remains  of  it  are  visible. 

The  common  Fig,  (Ficus  carica,)  and  one 
other  species,  have  three,  or  five  lobed  leaves; 


CRYPTOGAMIA.  213 

but  in  most,  if  not  all  the  other  members  of  the  genus,  these 
prgans  are  entire,  and  oblong  lanceolate  or  ovate. 

The  Banyan  tree,  (Ficus  Indica,}  which  has  already  been 
described  and  figured,  and  the  Gum  Elastic  tree,  (Ficus  elas- 
tica,)  are  species  of  this  genus.  The  latter  grows  to  the 
height  of  twenty  feet ;  leaves  smooth,  entire,  very  large,  thick 
and  shining  ;  shape  oblong  lanceolate  ;  stem  branched  ;  bark 
smooth  and  light  ash  colored.  The  tree  is  remarkably  beau- 
tiful. The  gum  is  obtained  by  making  incisions  through  the 
bark,  and  at  the  present  day  is  an  article  of  great  commercial 
interest  in  South  America.  The  over-shoes  and  bottles  of 
this  substance,  are  formed  by  spreading  the  gum  as  it  comes 
from  the  tree,  on  properly  shaped  pieces  of  clay,  coat  after 
coat  being  applied,  until  the  required  thickness  is  attained  ; 
the  clay  is  then  crushed,  and  poured  out,  and  these  articles 
remain  in  the  state  in  which  we  see  them. 

CLASS  XXIV.     CRYPTOGAMIA.     Orders  8. 

In  this  class  the  stamens  and  pistils  are  either  hidden,  imper- 
fect or  wanting. 


Cryptogamous  plants  differ  essentially  from  any  of  those 
we  have  formerly  described.  The  number,  or  situation  ot 
the  stamens  and  pistils,  which  heretofore  have  been  our 
guides  in  the  arrangement  of  the  classes  and  orders,  cannot 
be  here  employed  for  this  purpose,  since  these  organs  in 
some  cases  are  concealed,  in  others  very  minute,  and  in 
others  apparently  wanting  entirely.  This  class  has  there- 

From  what  circumstances  does  the  Fraxinus  derive  its  ilame  ?  In  what 
respect  is  the  flowering  of  the  ficus  genus  peculiar  ?  What  is  the  genus 
and  form  of  the  tree  which  produces  the  gum  elastic  ?  How  do  plants  of 
the  class  Cryptogamia  differ  from  other  plants  ? 


214  CRYPTOGAMIA. 

fore   been  distinguished  by  late  writers   under  the  name  of 
Fhwerless  Plants. 

This  class  is  divided  into  eight  orders,  or  tribes,  viz. 
I  FILICES,  (Ferns,)  2.  EQUISETACE^E,  (Horsetails,)  3. 
LYCOPODINE,E,  (Club-mosses,)  4.  Musci,  (Mosses,)  5.  HE- 
PATIC/E,  (Liverworts,)  6.  ALG.E,  (Flags,)  7.  LICHENS, 
(Rock  Mosses,)  8.  FUNGI,  (Mushrooms.) 

These  divisions  will  be  explained  and  illustrated  in  their 
turn  ;  but  we  must  first  explain  a  few  terms,  which  are  em- 
ployed only  in  describing  plants  of  this  class,  and  which 
therefore  have  not  been  heretofore  used. 

Sori,  patches  of  fructification  on  the  back  of  the  fronds, 
or  leaves  of  Ferns. 

Sporules,  the  seeds  of  flowerless  plants,  or  rather  the  parts 
of  these  plants  which  answer  to  the  seeds  of  other  plants. 

TheccB,  the  cases  which  contain  the  sporules  of  Cryptoga- 
mic  plants,  answering  to  the  seed  vessels  of  other  plants. 

Gregarious,  herding  together,  as  when  the  stripes  of  several 
Mushrooms  spring  from  the  same  place. 

Calyptra,  literally  an  extinguisher  ;  applied  to  the  body 
which  tips  the  thecae  of  the  Mosses. 

Indusium,  the  membrane  that  encloses  the  thecae  of  Ferns. 

Cap,  the  head  or  spreading  part  of  Mushrooms. 

Gills,  the  lamella,  or  thin  vertical  divisions  on  the  under 
side  of  the  caps  of  Mushrooms. 

ORDER  I. — FILICES.     Ferns. 

In  this  order  the  fruit  is  mostly  placed  on  the  back  of  the 
frond ;  the  thecae  are  naked.  When  young,  the  fronds  are 
circinate,  or  curled. 

The  principal  distinction  which  exists  between  Ferns  and 
other  flowerless  plants  is  found  in  the  situation  of  their  sori, 
or  patches  of  sporules,  which  in  most  cases  are  inserted  on 
the  back  of  the  frond,  Sometimes  they  appear  only  in  the 
form  of  little  spots,  and  sometimes  they  cover  the  whole 
under  surface,  contracting  the  leaf,  and  giving  it  the  appear- 
ance of  one  mass  of  fructification.  The  thecae,  or  patches 
of  sori,  are  surrounded  by  elastic  rings,  which  in  some  spe- 
cies burst  as  they  become  dry,  and  throw  the  sporules,  or 

What  are  sori  ?  What  are  sporules  ?  What  are  the  thecae  of  Cryp- 
togamous  plants  ?  When  are  plants  said  to  be  gregarious  ?  What  are 
calyptra?  What  is  meant  by  indusium?  What  part  of  a  mushroom  is 
the  cap,  and  what  part  the  gills  ?  On  what  part  of  the  plant  do  the  fernt» 
bfekr  their  fruit  * 


CRTPTOGAMIA.  215 

seeds,  in  all  directions,  in  the  form  of  fine  dust.  This  may 
be  observed  by  placing  a  frond  on  a  sheet  of  white  paper,  as 
heretofore  noticed.  Many  plants  of  this  order  are  found  in 
our  woods,  and  are  known  under  the  name  of  Polypody, 
(Polypodium,)  Brake,  (Pteris,)  Spleen  wort,  (Asplenium,) 
Shield  Fern,  (Aspidium,)  &c. 

GENUS  Polypodium.  Polypody.  Name  from  the  Greek, 
signifying  many,  zndfoot,  in  allusion  to  its  multitude  of  roots. 
The  genus  consists  of  many  species,  some  of  them  noble 
plants,  growing  from  three  to  five  feet  high. 

The  common  Polypody,  (Polypo-  Fig.  208. 

dium,  vulgare,}  is  a  handsome  Fern, 
which  is  common  among  rocks,  and 
in  shady  places  ;  fronds  deeply  pin- 
natifid,  and  about  a  foot  long  ;  stipe 
smooth  and  grooved  on  the  upper  side, 
sori  naked  and  solitary ;  leaflets  or 
segments  of  the  frond,  slightly  ser- 
rate, and  gradually  shorter  towards 
the  upper  end,  as  in  Fig.  208.  This 
plant  is  common  to  Europe  and 
North  America. 

GENUS  Osmunda.  Flowering  Fern.  Name  from  Osmun- 
da, a  Celtic  divinity,  the  representative  of  force,  because 
this  plant  was  supposed  to  have  potent  qualities  as  a  medicine. 
Three  species  of  this  genus  are  found  in  our  woods,  often 
growing  together.  Tall,  or  Woolly  Osmunda,  (Osmunda  tin- 
namomea,)  is  a  noble  Fern,  growing  three  or  four  feet  high. 
"  The  fertile  frond  is  covered  with  a  substance  resembling 
wool,  of  a  cinnamon  color,  from  which  it  derives  its  specific 
name.  The  little  seed  vessels  of  the  Osmunda  genus,  when 
examined  by  a  microscope,  are  seen  to  be  half  bivalved,  or 
resemble  in  form  a  sleigh  bell." 

GENUS  Ophioglossum.     Adder's  tongue.     Name  from  the 
Greek  ophis,  a  serpent,  andglosse,  a  tongue.    Com-      Fis-  209> 
inon  Adder's  tongue,  (Ophioglossum  vulgatum,)  is  a 
little  neat  looking  plant,  with  an  ovate  frond,  con- 
sisting of  one  green  lanceolate  simple  leaf,  from 
the  base  of  which  there  grows  a  stipe,  bearing  the 
truit  in  a  kind  of  spike.     The  whole  plant  is  only 
two  or  three  inches  high,  and  differs  widely  in  ap- 
pearance from  all  its  associates.     It  is  well  repre- 
sented by  Fig.  209. 


216 


CRYPTOGAM**. 


This  genus  differs  from  the  proper  Ferns  in  bearing  its 
fruit  on  a  jointed  spike  instead  of  on  the  back  of  the  frond. 

ORDER  II. — EQUISETACE^E.     Horsetails. 

This  order  contains  only  a  single  genus,  viz.  Equisetum, 
(Horsetail,)  of  which  there  are  numerous  species,  all  resem- 
bling each  other  in  habit  and  appearance.  Five  or  six  of 
these  are  North  American  plants,  most  of  which  grow  in  damp 
places,  about  the  borders  of  woods,  and  on  the  banks  of 
streams. 

Scouring  Rush,  (Equisetum  hyemale,)  is  the  R8-  21°- 
only  useful  species.  The  stem  is  without  leaves, 
erect,  straight,  hollow,  and  furrowed,  the  ridges 
being  cut  into  minute  teeth.  The  joints  of  the 
stem  are  furnished  with  short  sheathes,  or  rings, 
colored  black  and  white.  The  fruit  grows  in  a 
terminal  spike,  or  ament.  This  plant  is  in  com- 
mon use  for  scouring  wood,  and  polishing  met- 
als. The  outer  rough  bark  or  cuticle  c.ontains 
a  quantity  of  silex  or  flint,  and  hence  it  will 
scratch  the  hardest  steel.  The  plant  is  about 
two  feet  high,  and  a  little  larger  than  a  pipe  stem. 

ORDER  III. — LYCGPODINE^E.     Club-Mosses. 

In  this  order  the  reproductive  organs  are  axillary,  some- 
times apparently  spiked,  thecae  of  two  kinds,  the  one  con- 
taining minute  grains,  the  other  larger  bodies.  The  stems 
are  covered  with  many  small  leaves. 

These  are  chiefly  small  moss-like  plants,  with  creeping 
stems,  and  imbricated  or  scaly  leaves.  A  few  are  without 
stems,  having  awl-shaped  leaves,  and  a  solid  bulb-like  root, 
called  a  cormus.  Many  of  them  are  evergreen  plants,  and 
some  thrive  very  well  as  ornamental  dressings  for  flower 
pots. 

GENUS  Lycopodium.  Club-Moss.  Name  from  the  Greek, 
lukos,  a  wolf,  and  pous,  a  foot,  in  allusion  to  the  shape  o/ 
the  root,  which  is  said  to  resemble  a  wolfs  foot.  The  spe- 
cies are  very  neat,  deep  green,  little  evergreen  plants, 
growing  plentifully  in  our  woods.  They  are  best  known 
under  the  name  of  ground  pines,  and  several  of  them  are 

What  useful  plant  belongs  to  the  genus  Equisetaceae  1  What  kind  of 
plants  are  the  club-mosses  ? 


CRYPTOGAMI4  '217 

well   known   as    Christmas    decorations   for   churches    ami 
houses. 

The  Arbor-vitae  leaved,  or  Flat 
Club-Moss,  (Lycopodium  complana- 
tum,}  Fig.  211,  creeps  under  the  leaves 
of  the  woods,  now  and  then  sending 
up  erect  stems,  which  are  forked, 
partly  naked,  and  terminated  by  short 
yellowish  spikes.  The  leaves  are 
short  and  acute,  two-rowed,  connate, 
or  united,  and  green  all  the  year. 

One  of  the  prettiest  species  of 
this  genus  is  the  Glittering  Club-Moss, 
(Lycopodium  lucidulum.}  This  grows 
about  four  inches  high ;  leaves  in 
eight  rows,  linear,  lanceolate,  acute, 
and  reflected  ;  stem  forked,  erect,  and 

without  a  spike,  the  fruit  being  contained  in  a  kind  of  calyx 
on  its  side. 

ORDER  IV.     Musci.     Mosses. 

The  Mosses  are  dry  herbs,  furnished  with  distinct  leaves 
and  stems.  They  are  distinguished  from  other  flowerless 
plants  by  the  nature  of  their  reproductive  parts.  These  are 
of  two  kinds,  the  principal  and  most  obvious  of  which,  is  a 
thcca,  or  seed  vessel,  containing  the  sporules,  or  seeds,  and 
furnished  with  an  operculum,  or  lid,  by  which  they  are  re- 
tained, until  ripe.  The  other  kind  consists  of  minute  spheri- 
cal bodies,  concealed  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  and  called 
anthers,  together  with  pistillate  parts  on  distinct  plants. 

This  is  a  subject  of  minute  and  laborious  investigation,  in 
which  some  persons  have  spent  many  years.  It  is  impossi- 
ble, therefore,  in  a  book  like  this,  intended  chiefly  for  ele- 
mentary instruction,  to  explain  this  part  of  botany  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  be  of  any  considerable  advantage  to  the  pupil. 

The  Mosses  which  belong  to  this  order  are  found  chiefly 
in  moist  places,  in  the  woods,  and  in  the  sheltered  crevices 
of  rocks.  Wet,  overflown  bogs  and  side  hills,  with  a  north- 
ern exposure,  also  abound  with  the  different  species.  The 
Lichens,  on  the  contrary,  are  chiefly  to  be  found  in  dry 
places,  on  the  sunny  sides  of  rocks  or  old  stone  walls,  on  the 

What  are  the  musci  or  mosses  ?     What  difference  is  pointed  out  vith 
respect  to  the  places  where  mosses  and  lichens  grow  ? 
19 


Fig.  213 


218  CRYPTOGAMIA. 

bark  of  trees,  and  on  the  posts  and  rails  of  fences.  The 
Mosses  are  found  where  there  is  but  little  circulation  of  air, 
while  the  Lichens  grow  in  airy  places. 

The  Mosses  are  found  every  where  in  the  damp  woods  and 
among  rocks,  and  many  of  them  may  be  known  by  their  thecae 
or  capsules,  surrounded  by  their  operculi,  or  lids.  These 
parts  are  elevated  above  the  green  beds  of  moss  by  their  pe- 
dicels or  foot  stalks,  and  many  of  them  have  a  nodding  po- 
sition, as  in  Fig.  212. 

Fig.  212. 


The  thecae,  or  capsule,  with  its  lid,  or  oper- 
culum,  on  the  top,  may  be  distinguished  in  the 
enlarged  Fig.  at  the  right  hand. 


Before  the  sori  or  seeds  are  ripe,  both  the  cap- 
sule and  lid  are  surrounded  by  the  calyptra,  Fig. 
213,  which,  as  these  parts  enlarge,  splits  open  on 
one  side,  and  is  finally  thrown  off.  Some  plants 
of  this  tribe  are  very  beautiful,  but  many  of  them 
are  so  small  as  to  require  a  magnifying  glass  to 
distinguish  their  finest  parts. 

Of  this  order  botanists  have  enumerated  and 
figured  many  hundred  species. 


ORDER  V.     HEPATIC^E.     Liverworts. 

This  order  is  distinguished  from  the  Algae,  or  Flags,  in  not 
growing  under  water,  and  from  the  Mosses  in  not  generally 
having  a  lid,  or  operculum.  Some  of  the  genera,  however, 
as  the  very  extensive  one  called  Jungermannia,  are  furnished 
with  an  operculum  like  the  Mosses,  but  this  bursts  at  the  top, 
and  forms  four  valves,  instead  of  opening  as  it  does  in  the 
Mosses. 

Many  of  these  plants  are  so  minute  as  to  require  a  magni 

How  are  the  liverworts  distinguished  from  the  flags  and  mosses  ?  In 
the  algrc  or  flags,  where  are  the  seeds  situated  ?  Where  are  the  plants 
found  which  this  order  chiefly  embraces  ? 


CRYPTOGAMIA. 

fier  in  order  to  detect  their  different  parts.  They  are  found 
on  rocks,  old  walls,  the  bark  of  trees,  and  some  of  them  in 
damp,  shady  bogs. 

Fig.  214 

The  small  figure,  214,  represents  one  of  the 
Jungermannia  species  of  the  natural  size.  The 
larger,  is  the  same  magnified,  showing  the  four- 
valved  thecae  at  the  top,  after  it  has  burst  and  dis- 
charged its  seeds.  This  species  is  called  Dwarf 
Jungermannia,  and  grows  in  small  patches  on 
rocks.  Leaves  elliptical-ovate  ;  fruit  terminal ; 
mouth  contracted  and  toothed  ;  pedicel  half  an 
inch  high. 

This  genus  is  named  after  Louis  Jungermann,  a  German 
botanist. 

ORDER  VII.     ALG^E.     Flags. 

In  this  order  the  seeds  are  embedded  in  the  substance  of 
the  frond,  or  in  the  thecae,  or  tubercles  variously  situated 
The  plants  are  nearly  all  aquatic  and  submerged. 

The  order  consists  of  the  sea-weeds  of  the  ocean,  and  the 
floating,  scum-like  substance  of  ditches  and  rivers.  The 
fronds  are  sometimes  thick  and  cylindrical,  and  sometimes 
they  are  like  ribbons,  extending  many  yards  in  length. 

In  other  instances,  this  kind  of  vegetation  is  nothing  more 
than  a  mere  membrane,  or  a  tuft  of  fine  threads.  The  Sea 
Flags  are  in  general  fixed  to  rocks  or  stones  by  small  expan- 
sions, or  sometimes  to  the  sand  or  mud  by  roots.  It  is  sup- 
posed that  their  nourishment  is  imbibed  from  the  water  by 
their  surfaces. 

Figure  215  represents  one  of  the  most  com- 
mon species  of  this  genus,  the  Knotty  Fucus, 
(Fucus  nodosus.}  It  grows  on  stones  and  rocks 
near  the  shore  of  the  sea. — Frond  compressed 
and  leathery  ;  here  and  there  inflated  with  inter- 
nal vesicles.  These  contain  air,  and  therefore 
when  heated  or  compressed,  they  burst  with  a 
small  explosion.  This  and  the  other  species  of 
Fucus  are  burned  for  their  ashes,  which,  when 
purified,  form  the  soda  of  commerce.  The  im- 
pure product  of  the  burning  is  called  kelp. 

The  Flags  form  one  of  the  lowest  orders  of  vegetation, 

To  what  important  use  are  the  sea-weeds  converted  ? 


Fig.  215. 


220  CR1PTOGAMIA. 

being  in  this  respect,  nearly  on  a  parallel  with  the  Lichens 
&n«l  Fungi.  The  investigation  of  these  orders,  and  indeed 
of  the  whole  flowerless  class,  requires  great  patience  and  in- 
dustry, as  well  as  much  time  and  practice. 

Many  species  of  the  present  order,  like  those  of  the  others, 
require  the  aid  of  a  lens,  more  or  less  powerful,  in  order  to 
discover  the  least  sign  of  organization.  But  some  of  these 
when  magnified  are  exceedingly  curious  and  interesting,  so 
much  so,  as  often  to  strike  the  beholder  with  wonder,  and  to 
suggest  the  inquiry  why  they  were  made  with  so  much  ap- 
parent care  and  attention  to  symmetry,  seldom  to  be  observed 
by  the  eye  of  man,  and  only  to  be  overwhelmed  and  buried 
in  the  depths  of  the  sea.  But  the  very  fact  observed,  seems 
to  suggest  the  answer,  that  the  Creator  has  not  seen  fit  to 
make  his  works  less  perfect,  or  less  beautiful,  because  they 
are  of  such  a  nature,  or  so  situated,  that  man  cannot  derive 
from  them  either  profit  or  pleasure. 

Many  of  the  floculent  or  scum-like  substances  which  we  see 
on  the  sea-shore,  or  in  ditches,  and  which  are  commonly 
taken  for  the  result  of  stagnation,  are  in  reality  minute  vege- 
tables, beautifully  formed,  and  displaying  as  many  wonders 
and  more  peculiarities  than  the  most  perfect  plants  of  our 
gardens. 

Fig.  216. 

No  one,  not  acquainted  with  this  subject, 
would  expect  to  find  in  the  floculent  mass, 
Fig.  216,  any  thing  like  organization  or 
symmetry.  And  yet  on  examination  with  a 
lens,  it  is  found  to  be  regularly  and  curi- 
ously organized,  and  to  consist  of  grains 
joined  together,  each  having  its  fruit  con- 
tained in  a  proper  capsule,  as  represented 
by  the  figure  at  the  left  hand. 

The  genus  of  this  plant  is  Ectocarpus,  which  name  is  de- 
rived from  the  Greek  ektos,  outside,  and  karpos,  fruit,  because 
the  thecae  are  not  included  in  the  substance  of  the  frond,  as 
in  some  of  the  genera,  but  are  placed  on  the  outside.  The 
species  figured  is  granulosus,  or  granular,  because  the  whole 
appears  to  be  composed  of  grains  united  into  threads. 

ORDER  VIIT. — LICHENS.     Rock  and  Tree  Morses. 
The  Lichens,  we  have  stated,  are  among  the  lowest  orders 
In  what  situations  are  the  lichens  chiefly  found  ? 


CRYPTOGAMIA.  221 

of  vegetation.  '*  They  are  leafless,  flowerless,  perennial 
plants,  with  a  thallus,  and  external  disk,  containing  spo- 
rules." — Lindley.  The  thallus  is  the  frond,  or  crustaceous. 
leaf-like  expansion,  which  forms  the  principal  surface  of  this 
kind  of  vegetation.  The  sporules,  or  seeds,  are  usually  con- 
tained in  the  shields,  or  cup-like  receptacles  which  are  dis- 
persed over  the  thallus,  or  leaf-like  expansion.  Sometimes 
these  little  cups  sit  on  the  thallus  without  any  pedicel,  or  foot- 
stalk, and  sometimes  they  are  elevated  above  it,  by  stalk-like 
processes,  called  podetia.  In  some  spepies,  the  fruit  is  em- 
bedded in  the  frond.  This  order  of  plants  is  chiefly  found 
on  old  fences,  whether  of  wood  or  stone,  on  dry  rocks,  and 
on  the  bark  of  trees  exposed  to  the  air  and  light.  No  Lichen 
is  found  in  the  water ;  and  in  wet  places,  Dr.  Lindley  says 
their  shields,  or  cups,  are  not  produced. 

One  thousand  species  of  this  order  have  been  minutely 
examined  and  described  by  authors,  and  probably  as  many 
more  exist  which  remain  unnoticed. 

GENUS  Calicium.  Name  from  the  Greek,  kalukion,  a  little 
cup,  because  the  seed  vessels  are  in  the  form  of  minute 
cups. 

The  upper  figure  represents  one  of  the  F'£- 217- 

species  of  this  genus  of  its  natural  size, 
the  lower  one  is  magnified,  showing 
more  distinctly  the  form  of  the  cups. 

This  plant  grows  on  decayed  wood. — 
Crust  or  thallus  thin,  whitish  and  powde- 
ry ;  disk  flesh-colored,  becoming  brown  ; 
stalks  naked,  becoming  brown  or  black. 

There  are  several  plants  of  this  order  which  are  employed 
for  economical  purposes,  and  one,  (the  celebrated  Iceland 
Moss,)  which  is  of  great  consequence  in  Arctic  countries  on 
account  of  its  being  the  chief  food  of  the  rein-deer. 

GENUS  Lecanora.  This  genus  contains  two  or  three  spe- 
cies which  afford  purple  dyes,  and  are  employed  in  coloring. 
Cudbear,  (Lecanora  tartarea,)  one  of  these,  has  become  an 
article  of  commerce  to  a  considerable  extent  as  a  coloring 
drug.  Cudbear  is  a  corruption  of  Cuthbert,  the  person's  name 
who  first  brought  it  into  use.  It  comes  chiefly  from  Nor- 
way ;  but  it  is  said  that  many  an  industrious  man  obtains  his 

For  what  economical  purposes  are  some  c  f  the  lichens  employed  ? 
19* 


Fig.  219. 


CRYPTOGAMIA. 

living  by  scraping  the  rocks  of  the  Scottish  Highlands  with 
an  iron  hoop,  for  this  moss. 

Fig.  218  represents  a  species  of  this  Fig.  218. 

genus,  called  Leprous  lecanora.  It 
grows  in  mountains  ;  crust  thin,  and 
leprous  white ;  seed  vessel  elevated 
above  the  surface,  but  not  on  a  stalk  ; 
disk  plane,  olive-colored. 

ORDEJR  IX.     FUNGI.     Mushrooms. 

This  order  consists  mostly  of  thick  fleshy  bodies,  without 
herbage,  properly  so  called,  and  without  a  thallus.  The  spo- 
rules  or  seeds  are  arranged  in  little  tubes  placed  on  the  infe- 
rior surface  of  the  pileus  or  cap. 

The  pileus,  or  cap,  is  the  expanded 
part  of  the  Mushroom,  placed  on  the 
upper  end  of  the  stipe.  The  lamella, 
or  gills,  consist  of  thin  radiating  ex- 
pansions on  the  underside  of  the  cap. 
Among  these  the  sporules  are  placed. 
In  the  young  state  the  cap  is  globular, 
and  there  is  a  thin  membrane  or 
fringe  by  which  its  margin  is  con- 
nected with  the  stipe,  as  in  the  left  hand  figure.  This  is 
called  the  volvaor  curtain,  and  as  the  cap  enlarges  this  bursts, 
or  parts  in  the  direction  of  the  circumference  of  the  pileus, 
so  as  to  expose  the  gills.  As  the  plant  grows  this  part  be- 
comes obsolete,  and  forms  the  ring  around  the  stipe,  called 
annulus,  as  shown  in  the  right  hand  figure. 

It  is  well  known  that  this  tribe  of  plants  spring  up  almost 
every  where,  especially  among  decaying  substances  ;  and 
that  thousands  may  be  seen  in  the  morning  after  a  thunder 
storm,  and  a  hot  night,  where  none  existed  the  evening  be- 
fore. Hence  some  have  supposed  that  these  vegetables 
were  fortuitous  developments,  called  into  existence  by  the 
circumstances  of  heat,  moisture,  and  peculiarity  of  soil,  and 
therefore  that  no  seeds  were  necessary  for  their  production. 
That  the  growth  or  production  of  these  vegetables  depends 
on  the  circumstances  of  soil,  heat,  and  moisture,  is  well 
known,  since  the  gardeners  who  raise  the  esculent  Mush- 
room, in  beds  constructed  for  that  purpose,  have  a  process 
so  certain,  that  no  other  kind  is  ever  known  to  spring  up  in 
these  beds,  though  they  may  grow  every  where  else  in  the 


C  K  YPTOG AM  I A  223 

same  vicinity.  Hence  the  conclusion,  that  if  the  sporules  of 
othei  kinds  be  present  in  these  beds,  they  do  not  grow,  be 
cause  the  soil  is  not  suited  to  their  growth.  We  are  aware 
that  a  contrary  argument  has  been  drawn  from  the  above 
named  fact,  and  that  because  any  quantity  of  the  Agaricus 
campestris,  or  edible  Mushroom,  may  be  produced  by  certain 
conditions  of  soil,  temperature  and  moisture,  without  sowing 
the  seeds,  therefore  Mushrooms  cannot  be  the  product  of 
seeds  floating  through  the  air,  for  were  this  the  case,  other 
kinds  besides  the  campestris  would  spring  up,  since  the 
Mushroom  beds  would  be  as  liable  to  receive  the  poisonous, 
as  wholesome  species.  If  we  suppose  that  the  sporules  of 
the  first  crop  perpetuate  their  own  species,  then  there  is  no 
difficulty  in  accounting  for  a  perpetual  succession  ;  and  there- 
fore, under  this  restriction,  the  only  doubt  refers  to  the  first 
product.  Now  that  the  sporules  of  these  plants  exist  every 
where,  and  that  they  only  lie  dormant  until  circumstances  of 
soil,  heat,  arid  moisture,  cause  them  to  vegetate,  may  be  safely 
inferred,  or  indeed  is  nearly  certain,  from  the  observations  of 
M.  Fries,  of  Sweden,  whose  knowledge  on  this  subject  no  one 
will  dare  to  deny.  This  naturalist  says  that  the  sporules  ot 
this  tribe  are  so  infinite  in  number,  that  in  a  single  individual 
of  the  species,  (Reticularia  maxima,}  he  counted  above  ten 
millions.  That  these  seeds  are  so  small  as  scarcely  to  be 
visible  to  the  naked  eye,  and  that  when  rising  in  the  atmos- 
phere they  often  resemble  thin  smoke.  That  besides  being- 
disseminated  by  a  kind  of  evaporation  through  the  air,  they 
are  dispersed  by  the  wind,  by  insects,  elasticity,  and  adhesion, 
so  that  it  is  difficult  to  conceive  a  place  from  which  they  can 
be  excluded.  From  all  that  has  been  said,  we  may  fairly 
conclude,  that  the  notion  of  fortuitous,  or  equivocal  produc- 
tion, which  has  been  employed  to  account  for  the  appearance 
of  Mushrooms,  is  entirely  without  foundation,  and  has  been 
adopted  from  ignorance,  or  a  limited  view  of  the  nature  of  this 
tribe.  And  also,  that  in  whatsoever  situation  we  may  observe 
these  productions,  we  may  be  sure  that  their  sporules  existed 
there  before,  but  that  the  conditions  of  heat  and  moisture,  and 
perhaps  other  circumstances  unknown  to  us,  had  not  been 
previously  adapted  to  their  vegetation.  Or,  as  it  appears  that 
these  sporules  may  be  floating  in  the  air,  for  aught  we  know, 
constantly,  during  certain  seasons,  they  may  have  been  de- 
posited only  just  in  time  to  vegetate.  Many  other  seeds,  it 
is  well  known,  lie  dormant  for  years,  or  perhaps  for  ages,  un- 


22  CRYPTOGAMIA. 

less  circumstances  favorable  to  their  vegetation  occur. 
"  Earth,"  says  Dr.  Smith,  "  taken  from  a  considerable  depth 
and  exposed  to  the  air,  will  soon  be  covered  with  young 
plants,  especially  Thistles,  and  the  Mustard  kind."  1  be- 
lieve, in  such  cases,  no  one  has  attempted  to  account  for  the 
fact  in  any  other  manner,  than  by  supposing  that  the  seeds  oi 
these  plants  lay  dormant,  until  exposed  to  heat  and  light,  or 
to  conditions  proper  for  their  vegetation.  Besides,  if  the 
Fungus  tribes  are  fortuitous  productions,  their  number  of 
species  must  be  infinite,  for  then  any  change  in  the  condi- 
tions necessary  to  produce  one  species,  would  certainly  pro- 
duce a  new  one,  and  as  soil,  heat,  and  moisture,  are  subject 
to  perpetual  variations  all  over  the  world,  so  the  number  of 
species,  or  varieties,  would  be  proportionate  to  the  variations 
of  such  conditions. 

In  respect  to  the  actual  number  of  species  belonging  to 
this  order,  no  estimate  can  be  made.  The  number  described 
by  Sprengel,  is  about  2800,  besides  which  other  authors  have 
described  at  least  half  as  many  more,  so  that  the  number  of 
species  arranged  in  botanical  works  amount  to  between  4000 
and  5000.  The  Swedish  cryptogamist,  Fries,  discovered  no 
less  than  2000  species  of  Fungi,  within  the  compass  of  a 
square  furlong,  in  Sweden.  Nearly  all  that  have  been  de- 
scribed, belong  to  the  northern  and  temperate  regions,  the 
tropical  species  being  almost  unknown  to  authors.  In  North 
America,  Prof.  Torrey  has  estimated  that  there  are  about 
3000  known  species  of  this  order.  Many  species  of  this 
tribe  are  used  as  food  in  various  parts  of  the  world,  but  by  far 
the  greater  majority  of  the  whole  tribe  are  poisonous. 

In  some  parts  of  Kamtschatka  the  people  are  said  to  intoxi- 
cate themselves  with  a  species  of  Fungi,  for  the  same  rea- 
son that  the  people  of  other  nations  drink  wine  and  spirits. 
The  species  used  for  this  purpose,  is  the  Amanita  mnscaria. 
These  are  gathered  during  the  warm  season,  and  hung  up  by 
strings  to  dry,  for  future  use.  Sometimes  this  is  used  in 
soups  and  sauces,  but  the  more  common  method  is  to  swal- 
low a  small  piece  without  chewing  it,  and  to  repeat  this  until 
the  effect  is  such  as  to  be  satisfactory  to  the  taker.  One 
large,  or  two  small  Fungi,  is  the  common  dose  when  the  per- 
son desires  to  have  his  pleasant  sensations,  or  intoxication, 
continue  for  the  whole  day.  Cheerful  emotions  are  first 
produced,  after  which  a  variety  of  ludicrous  actions,  and 
often  much  silly  talk  follows.  On  some  it  produces  very 


CRTPTOGAMIA.  225 

singular  effects,  so  that  if  they  wish  to  step  over  a  straw,  or 
small  stick,  they  take  a  stride,  or  jump  sufficiently  high  to 
clear  the  trunk  of  a  tree.  Others  talk  incessantly,  and  reveal 
all  their  own  secrets  as  well  as  those  of  their  neighbors. 
Others  become  exceedingly  active,  and  exert  great  muscular 
powers  ;  while  those  who  are  fond  of  music,  sing  perpetually. 
When  taken  in  still  larger  doses,  it  produces  giddiness, 
spasms,  or  death-like  drunkenness.  Indeed,  its  effects 
can  hardly  be  distinguished  from  those  produced  by  large 
quantities  of  wine,  or  ardent  spirits.  This  statement  is  made 
by  Dr.  Langsdorff,  to  which  we  subjoin  a  figure  of  the  species 
from  Enc.  of  Plants. 

Amanita  muscaria.  Fly-blown  Agaric. 
Height  4  inches ;  margin  of  the  cap  striated  ; 
color,  orange  red  ;  warty  ;  stipe  bulbous ; 
poisonous. 

A  large  proportion  of  the  Mushrooms  are 
either  offensive  to  the  smell,  or  taste,  or 
are  poisonous.  Some  of  them  are  so  ex- 
ceedingly virulent  as  to  destroy  life  in  a 
short  time  when  eaten.  Hence  many  of 
those  who  have  made  this  department  of 
botany  a  subject  of  investigation,  and  who, 
therefore,  might  be  supposed  best  to  know 
the  appearance  of  the  different  species,  will  never  taste  the 
wild  kinds  for  fear  of  the  consequences.  The  kind  which  is 
cultivated  for  the  table,  when  taken  from  the  bed  in  which  it 
is  grown,  it  is  said,  has  never  been  known  to  act  as  poison. 
Large  quantities  of  these  are  raised  in  the  vicinities  of  large 
cities,  for  the  markets,  and  in  some  countries  are  in  common 
use  as  an  article  of  food.  The  species  cultivated  for  this 
purpose  is  the  Agaricus  campestris,  and  among  the  many  hun- 
dred known  species,  this  is  the  only  one  now  employed.  It 
may  be  known  by  the  following  description  from  Loudon. 

Gills  loose,  pinky  red,  changing  to  a  liver  color,  in  contact 
with  the  stem,  but  not  united  with  it ;  very  thick  set,  irregu- 
larly disposed,  some  forked  next  the  stem,  some  next  the  edge 
of  the  pileus,  or  cap,  some  at  both  ends,  and  in  that  case 
generally  excluding  the  intermediate  smaller  gills.  The  pileus, 
or  cap,  is  white,  changing  to  brown  when  old,  and  becoming 
scurfy.  This  part  is  regularly  convex  on  the  top,  fleshy, 
grows  flatter  with  age,  and  is  from  two  to  four,  and  some- 
times nine  inches  in  diameter.  The  flesh  is  white  and  lique- 
fies by  decay.  The  stem  is  solid,  white,  cylindrical,  from 


CKYl'TOGAMIA. 

two  ro  three  inches  high,  and  about  half  an  inch  in  diameter 
the  curtain  white  and  delicate.  When  this  mushroom  first 
makes  its  appearance,  it  is  smooth,  and  almost  globular,  and 
in  this  state  is  called  a  button.  This  species  is  esteemed  the 
best  and  most  savory  of  the  genus,  and  is  in  much  request  for 
the  table,  in  England.  It  is  eaten  fresh  either  stewed  or 
boiled,  and  preserved,  either  as  a  pickle,  or  in  powder;  and 
it  furnishes  the  sauce  called  ketchup.  The  field  plants  are 
better  for  eating  than  those  raised  on  artificial  beds,  their  flesh 
being  more  tender,  and  those  who  are  in  the  habit  of  doing 
so,  distinguish  the  esculent  fr'nn  the  poisonous  kinds,  by  the 
smell.  The  wild  M  ushrooms  ire  foi'ud  in  old  fields  and  pas- 
tures, which  have  not  been  pifwVM^  4or  many  years,  and  the 
best  time  for  gathering  them  >  i*  tb  »  */**nths  of  August  and 
September. 


NATURAL  SYSTEM  OF  BOTANY. 


WE  have  already  stated  that  there  are  two  methods  of  ar- 
ranging plants,  called  the  Artificial,  and  the  Natural.  It  is 
the  chief  design  of  this  work  to  give  the  learner  a  competent 
knowledge  of  the  former  method,  but  as  the  latter  is  often  re- 
ferred to  in  books,  and  is  withal  of  the  highest  importance  to 
the  scientific  botanist,  we  here  propose  to  give  a  short  view 
of  Professor  Lindley's  Natural  Method. 

"  The  notion,"  says  this  author,  "  of  classing  species  ac- 
cording to  the  likeness  they  bear  to  each  other,  which  is  the 
foundation  of  the  Natural  System,  must  have  originated  with 
the  first  attempts  of  man  to  reduce  natural  history  to  a  science. 
The  first  writers  who  acknowledged  any  system,  departed  in 
no  degree  from  what  they  considered  a  classification  of 
plants,  according  to  their  general  resemblances.  Theophras- 
tus  has  his  water  plants,  and  parasites,  pot-herbs,  corn-plants, 
and  forest  trees.  Dioscorides  had  his  aromatics,  his  gum  bear- 
ing plants,  eatable  vegetables,  and  corn  herbs,  and  the  succes- 
sors, imitators,  and  copyers  of  these  writers  retained  the 
same  arrangement  for  many  ages." 

The  great  distinction  between  the  Artificial  and  Natural 
Systems,  is  readily  understood,  and  may,  indeed,  be  inferred 
from  the  above  remarks.  By  the  first,  plants  are  arranged 
in  conformity  to  the  number,  appearance,  or  situation  of  some 
particular  organs,  or  parts,  without  reference  to  their  proper- 
ties, or  qualities.  By  the  other,  they  are  distributed,  accord- 
ing to  their  natural  affinities,  or  qualities.  Thus  by  the 
Linnaean  system,  where  the  arrangement  depends  on  the 
number  and  position  of  the  stamens  and  pistils,  there  are  often 
thrown  into  the  same  group,  plants  of  the  most  discordant 
appearances,  nature  and  habits.  Thus  in  the  class  Pentan- 
dria  and  order  Monogynia,  we  have  arranged  in  the  same 
group,  all  such  plants  as  have  five  distinct  stamens,  and  one 
style;  and  when  we  come  to  examine  the  characters  of  the 
plants  so  brought  together,  we  find  that,  with  the  exception  of 
the  number  and  situation  of  the  organs  on  which  their  classi- 
fication depended,  there  is  often  the  greatest  possible  discor- 
dance, and  in  many  instances  not  a  single  point  of  affinity, 


228  NATURAL. 

either  in  quality,  shape,  or  habit.  Thus  in  this  class  and 
order  we  have  Comfrey  and  Henbane,  Thorn-apple,  and  the 
Grape-vine;  Honey-suckle,  and  Red  pepper;  Ivy,  which 
runs  fitly  feet  high,  with  Claytonia,  only  two  inches  high. 
And  in  the  class  Enneandria  and  order  Monogynia,  we  have 
in  like  manner,  the  Cinnamon  tree,  associated  with  the  Ca- 
shew nut,  &c. 

In  the  Natural  arrangement  to  be  explained,  on  the  con- 
irary,  the  parts  on  which  the  Linnaean  System  is  founded, 
viz.  stamens  and  pistils,  the  corolla  arid  calyx  are  regarded 
no  further  than  is  consistent  with  other  points  of  relation- 
ship. In  the  words  of  Professor  Lindley,  "  the  affinities  of 
plants  may  be  determined  by  a  consideration  of  all  the  points 
of  resemblance  between  their  various  parts,  properties  and 
qualities ;  and  thence  an  arrangement  may  be  deduced  in 
which  those  species  will  be  placed  next  each  other  which 
have  the  greatest  degree  of  relationship ;  and  consequently 
the  quality  or  structure  of  an  imperfectly  known  plant  may  be 
determined  by  those  of  another  which  is  well  known." 

According  to  this  system,  therefore,  it  is  not  the  property, 
habit,  or  number  of  stamens  taken  separately,  that  determines 
the  place  of  a  species,  but  all  these  characters  taken  in  con- 
nection. Hence  it  will  be  obvious  to  the  experienced  botanist, 
that  the  vegetable  kingdom,  by  this  arrangement,  must  be  di- 
vided into  a  very  large  number  of  families  or  orders. 

But,  as  preparatory  to  these  smaller  divisions,  this  system 
separates  all  vegetables  into  two  great  classes,  founded  on 
their  structure,  or  organization.  These  classes  are  called 
Vasculares  and  Cellulares.  The  first  includes  all  the  Lin- 
naean plants  which  are  classed  by  their  stamens  and  pistils, 
and  consequently  all  vegetables,  except  the  class  Cryp- 
togamia.  These  are  called  Phenogamous,  or  Flowering 
plants.  The  second  class,  Cellulares,  includes  all  plants 
not  embraced  in  the  first,  and  are  called  Cryptogamous, 
Agamous,  or  Flowerless  plants.  These  two  divisions  are 
further  characterized  by  the  different  modes  in  which  the 
plants  belonging  to  each  are  propagated.  All  flowering 
plants  are  propagated  by  seeds  which  are  the  result  of  the 
mutual  action  of  stamens  and  pistils,  and  which  are 
composed  of  one  or  more  parts,  called  Cotyledons.  Hence 
this  division  is  sometimes  called  COTYLEDONOUS.  The 
flowerless  plants,  on  the  contrary,  have  no  seeds  properly 
so  called,  but  are  multiplied  by  minute  bodies,  called  spo~ 


SYSTEM.  229 

rules,  and  in  which  nothing  like  cotyledons  can  be  discovered. 
Hence  the  plants  of  this  class  are  denominated  Acotyledonous, 
that  is,  without  cotyledons. 

VASCULARES,  PH.ENOGAMOUS,  COTYLEDONOUS,  and  FLOW- 
ERING plants  are  therefore  only  different  terms  denoting  the 
same  combination  of  vegetables,  and  including  all  the  Lin- 
naean  species  in  which  stamens  and  pistils  are  found.  Also, 
the  terms  CELLULARES,  CRYPTOGAMOUS,  ACOTYLEDONOUS, 
and  FLOWERLESS  plants  denote  the  same  series  of  produc- 
tions, and  include  such  vegetables  only  as  produce  neither 
stamens,  pistils,  nor  flowers. 

In  respect  to  the  difference  of  structure  on  which  these 
grand  divisions  are  founded,  the  vasculares  all  possess 
spiral  internal  vessels,  a  more  or  less  woody  fibre,  and  have 
their  leaves  reticulated,  the  veins  not  parallel.  The  term 
is  derived  from  the  Latin  vas,  a  vessel.  It  is  however  un- 
necessary for  ordinary  purposes,  to  ascertain  the  difference 
between  the  two  classes  by  dissection,  the  veins  of  the 
leaves  and  the  presence  of  the  stamens  and  pistils  being  in 
all  cases  sufficient  to  determine  the  phaenogamous  nature  of 
an  individual. 

The  term  Cellulares  is  derived  from  the  Latin  ccllula,  a 
little  cell,  and  in  its  application  denotes  that  the  plants  are 
cellular,  but  not  vascular  in  their  structure.  Cellular  plants 
are  formed  entirely  of  cellular  tissue,  but  contain  no  spiral 
vessels,  nor  woody  fibre,  nor  are  their  leaves  traversed  by 
veins,  as  in  the  other  class.  The  Ferns,  however,  approach 
nearly  to  the  Vasculares,  as  their  fronds  possess  parts  anal- 
ogous to  veins  ;  but  as  they  are  destitute,  or  nearly  so,  of 
spiral  vessels,  have  no  parts  answering  to  cotyledons,  and  are 
withal  entirely  flowerless,  they  are  strictly  cellular  plants. 

These  two  great,  but  unequal  divisions,  being  thus  estab- 
lished on  anatomical,  as  well  as  external  characters,  the  class 
Vasculares  is  next  separated  into  two  sub-classes,  founded 
on  the  different  laws  which  govern  their  growth.  It  has 
been  ascertained  that  some  of  the  plants  of  this  class  increase 
by  the  addition  of  successive  layers  of  new  matter,  or  wood, 
on  the  outside,  and  that  another,  but  smaller  number,  grow 
by  additions  on  the  inside.  For  this  reason,  the  first  of  these 
divisions  is  called  Exogenous,  and  the  other  Endogenous ; 
the  first  term  signifying  external,  and  the  second  internal 
increase. 

Exogenous  plants,  of  which  the  Oak  may  be  taken  as  an 
20 


230  NATURAL 

example,  increase,  by  forming  a  new  layer  of  woody  matter 
external  to  the  old  one,  and  between  it  and  the  bark,  every 
year.  Hence  the  ages  of  Exogenous  trees  are  indicated 
by  the  concentric  circles  of  which  they  are  composed,  and 
which  appear  to  be  occasioned  by  the  cessation  of  growth 
during  one  period  of  the  year,  and  the  renewal  of  it  in  an- 
other. The  centre  of  this  vegetable  system,  is  a  spongy, 
or  cellular  substance,  called  the  pith.  Therefore,  when 
the  trunk  of  the  Oak,  Ash,  or  any  other  perennial  Exogen- 
ous plant  is  sawn  across,  it  exhibits  bark  on  the  outside, 
pith  in  the  centre,  and  concentric  deposits  of  woody  matter 
between  them,  all  connected  by  plates  of  cellular  tissue, 
radiating  from  the  centre  to  the  circumference,  and  called 
medullary  rays.  These  rays  are  very  obvious  on  splitting  a 
piece  of  oak. 

Endogenous  plants,  of  which  the  Lily,  Palm,  and  Iris  are 
examples,  have  no  need  of  bark,  or  other  external  covering, 
to  protect  their  newly  formed  parts  from  injury,  since  theii 
additions  are  internal.  In  these  plants,  as  the  layers  of  new 
matter  are  not  concentric  but  irregular,  and  neither  corres- 
pond with  particular  seasons  of  growth,  nor  commence  round 
a  pith,  or  any  other  distinct  centre  of  vegetation,  there  are 
no  lines  which  distinguish  the  annual  deposits  from  each 
other,  or  these  from  the  bark  and  centre,  as  in  the  Exogenous 
species.  In  the  Endogenae,  these  parts  are  all  confounded  : 
in  Exogenae,  they  are  all  distinct. 

The  Exogenae,  and  Endogenae,  are  further  distinguished 
by  a  difference  in  their  seeds,  the  first  being  all  Dicotyledo- 
nous, that  is,  consisting  of  two  cotyledons,  or  seed  lobes, 
while  the  Endogenous  tribe  are  all  Monocotyledonous,  or 
have  only  a  single  seed  lobe.  In  the  Exogeriae,  also,  the 
leaves  are  reticulated,  or  are  formed  like  net  work,  while  in 
the  Endogenae,  the  veins  of  the  leaves  run  straight,  and  are 
parallel.  The  Exogenae,  or  Dicotyledonous  plants  are  sub- 
divided into  two  tribes  called  Angiosperni(K,'and  Gymnos- 
permcB ;  the  first,  denoting  that  the  seeds  are  enclosed  in  a 
pericarp,  and  the  second,  that  the  seeds  are  naked,  or  desti- 
tute of  a  pericarp. 

The  Endogenae,  or  Monocotyledonous  plants,  are  also 
separated  into  two  tribes,  the  first  of  which  is  called  Peta- 
loidae,  and  includes  such  plants  as  have  a  calyx  and  corolla, 
in  three,  or  six  divisions,  or  if  these  parts  are  absent,  then 
the  stamens  and  pistils  are  naked  The  second  tribe  is 


SYSTEM.  231 

called  Glumace(B,  and  includes  flowers  which  are  destitute  of 
a  true  calyx  and  corolla,  but  enveloped  in  imbricated  biactae. 

The  second  class,  Cellulares,  as  we  have  already  seen  in- 
cludes only  such  plants  as  are  destitute  of  stamens,  pistils, 
flowers,  and  spiral  vessels.  This  is  separated  into  three  sec- 
tions, called  Filicoideas,  Muscoidea,  and  Aphylla. 

FILICOIDE^E  includes  such  plants  as  have  a  distinct  axis 
and  vascular  system,  as  the  Ferns,  Club-mosses,  and  Horse- 
tails. 

MUSCOIDE^E  includes  such  as  have  a  distinct  axis,  but  not 
a  vascular  system,  as  Musci  (Mosses,)  and  Hepaticae,  (Liv- 
erworts.) 

APHYLL.<E.  These  have  neither  a  distinct  axis,  nor  vas- 
cular system,  as  the  Fungi,  (Mushrooms.)  Algae,  (Flags.) 

Several  other  minor  divisions  are  made  in  the  class  Vas- 
culares,  which  however  we  shall  at  present  omit  to  notice. 

RECAPITULATION. 

First  Class,  or  Grand  Division,  VASCULARES. 
OR  FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

Plants  having    distinct  flowers,  furnished  with  stamens  and 
pistils. 

This  division  includes  all  plants  of  the  Linnaean  system, 
except  the  class  Cryptogamia,  and  is  therefore  by  far  the 
most  important  part  of  the  vegetable  kingdom. 

They  are  called  Ph&nogamous  plants  because  they  bear 
visible  stamens  and  pistils  ;  and  Cotyledonous  plants,  because 
their  seeds  consist  of  Cotyledons.  Both  of  these  terms 
distinguish  them  from  the  Cryptogamia,  where  no  such 
parts  exist. 

The  plants  of  this  division  are  characterized  by  internal 
spiral  vessels,  and  woody  fibre,  but  more  obviously,  by  their 
flowers  containing  stamens  and  pistils,  and  the  veiny  appear- 
ance of  their  leaves. 

SUB-CLASS    1.     EXOGENOUS,   OR  DICOTYLEDONOUS   PLANTS. 

Leaves  reticulated ;  stem  with  wood,  pith,  bark,  and  medullary 
rays  ;  cotyledons  two  or  more,  placed  opposite  to  each  other. 

This  sub-class  contains  all  such  plants  as  have  seeds 
composed  of  two  or  more  cotyledons.  The  number  of 
species  of  the  latter  kind  are  however  very  few,  nearly  all 
plants  which  belong  here  having  seeds  with  only  two  coty- 
ledons 


232  NATURAL 

Tribe  I.     AXGIOSPERM^E. 
Seeds    enclosed    in    a  pericarp. 

This  tribe  includes  all  such  plants  as  have  two  cotyled^as, 
with  their  seeds  enclosed  in  a  pod,  or  shell,  or  in  a  coat 
which  proceeds  from  the  germen.  Ex.  Pea,  Chestnut, 
Larkspur. 

This  tribe  is  divided  into  Polypetahus,  Apetalous,  Ach- 
lamydfous,  and  Mon&pctalous  plants. 

A.  POLYPETALOUS,   (mony-petakd.)     These  have  a  calyx 
and  corolla.     Ex.  Rose,  Crowfoot. 

B.  APETALOUS,  (without  petals.)     These  have  a  calyx,  but 
no  corolla.     Ex.  Blitum. 

C.  ACHLAMYDEOUS.     These  have  neither  calyx  nor  corol- 
la.    Ex.  Birch,  Willow. 

D.  MOXOPETALOCS.     These   have  a  single   petal.      Ex 
Bignonia,  (Trumpet-jlower,)  Ipomea,  (Morning-glory.) 

Tribe  2.     GYMNOSPERM^E. 
Seeds  destitute  of  a  pericarpium. 

The  plants  of  this  tribe  have  neither  stigma  nor  style,  the 
influence  of  the  pollen  being  communicated  directly  to  the 
seed  through  a  foramen,  or  orifice.  They  must  not  be  con- 
founded with  the  Gymnospermae,  or  naked  seeded  plants  of 
Linnaeus,  which  all  belong  to  the  tribe  Angiospermae  of  this 
system. 

This  tribe  is  divided  into  Coniferc,  and  Cycadea. 

COXIFERJE.     The  Fir  tribe.     Ex.  Pine,  Juniper. 

CYCADJE.     Ex.  Cycas,  Zamia. 

SUB-CLASS  2.  ENDOGENJE,  OR  MONOCOTYLEDON ocs  PLANTS. 
Leaves  with  parallel  veins.  Stem  with  no  distinction  of  wood* 

bark  and  pith.     Flowers  chiefly  with   a  ternary    division. 

Cotyledon  one,  and  if  two,  placed  alternate. 

The  plants  of  this  sub-class  hold  an  intermediate  rank 
between  the  Exogenous,  or  Dicotyledonous  plants,  in  which 
vegetation  acquires  its  highest  degree  ef  development,  and 
Cellulares,  or  Cryptogamia.  where  vegetation  is  of  the  low- 
est order.  In  Exogenous  plants  there  are  two  cotyledons  ; 
in  the  Endogenous  there  is  one  cotyledon,  and  in  Cellulares 
this  part  is  entirely  wanting.  And  the  scale  of  vegetable 
development  appears  to  be  graduated  in  exact  conformity  to 
these  circumstances,  exhibiting  a  striking  proof  of  the  har- 
mony that  exists  between  die  great  features  of  vegetation, 


SYSTEM.  233 

and  their  first  principles,  the  seed  from  which  they  original** 
The  fact  that  the  kind  of  seed  is  indicated  by  the  appear 
ance  of  the  leaf,  is  a  still  more  obvious  and  forcible  illustra- 
tion of  the  same  harmony.  On  holding  a  leaf  between  the 
eye  and  the  light,  if  it  is  found  to  be  traversed  with  veins, 
largest  at  the  base,  and  communicating  with  each  other  in  all 
directions,  like  a  net  work,  we  may  in  general  know  that  the 
seed  of  the  plant  to  which  it  belongs  has  two  cotyledons. 
Ex.  Bean,  Plum,  Apple,  Radish. 

We  may  remark,  also,  as  another  distinctive  character  of 
the  Exogenous  species,  that  the  leaves  are  articulated,  or 
jointed  with  the  stem,  so  that  when  they  fall  off,  a  scar  re- 
mains on  both  parts. 

If  another  leaf  be  held  between  the  eye  and  the  light,  and 
its  veins  are  found  to  run  parallel  with  each  other,  from  the 
base  to  the  apex,  without  distinct,  or  net  like  communications, 
we  may  be  sure  that  the  seed  from  which  it  sprung  had  but 
a  single  cotyledon.  Ex.  Lily,  Calla,  Indian  Corn,  Wheat, 
and  the  grasses. 

The  philosophical  student  will  be  delighted  with  these  ex- 
aminations, as  not  only  offering  one  of  the  most  obvious  and 
striking  proofs  of  that  harmony  and  design  which  exists  in  all 
the  departments  of  nature,  but  also  as  a  means  of  acquiring 
botanical  knowledge. 

The  leaves  of  Endogenous  plants,  in  general,  have  no  ar- 
ticulation with  their  stems,  like  those  which  are  reticulated. 
Ex.  Iris,  Lily. 

The  Endogenae  are  divided  into  two  tribes. 

Tribe  I.     PETALOIDBJB. 

The  plants  of  this  tribe  are  characterized  by  having  a 
calyx  or  corolla,  and  sometimes  both,  in  three,  or  six  divi- 
sions, or,  if  these  parts  are  wanting,  then  the  stamens  and 
pistils  are  naked.  This  division  comprehends  all  the  plants 
with  one  cotyledon,  except  the  Grasses  and  Sedges.  Ex. 
Alisma,  (Water plantain,)  Orchis,  Iris,  Lily. 

Tribe  2.     GLUMACRK. 

Flowers  destitute  of  a  true  calyx,  or  corolla,  but  enveloped 
in  scales  or  chaffy  bracts.  This  tribe  comprehends  the 
Grasses,  properly  so  called,  and  the  Sedge  tribe,  with  which 
in  many  respects  they  are  nearly  allied. 

The  orders  of  this  System  are  272  in  number,  of  which  we 
select  the  following  as  examples. 
20» 


'^34  NATURAL 

AMYGDALE^E.     The  Almond  Tribe. 
(This  includes  the  Peach  also.) 

Diagnosis.  Polypetalous  dicotyledons,  with  a  superior 
solitary,  simple  ovarium,  having  a  terminal  style  ;  regular, 
perigynous,  indefinite  stamen  ;  a  drupaceous  fruit ;  an  exai- 
buminous,  suspended  seed,  and  alternate,  stipulate,  simple 
leaves,  yielding  hydrocyanic  [prussic]  acid. 

Essential  Characters.  Calyx  5-toothed,  deciduous,  lined 
with  a  disk,  the  fifth  lobe  next  the  axis.  Petals  5,  perigy- 
nous. Stamens  20,  or  thereabouts,  arising  from  the  throat 
of  the  calyx,  in  aestivation  "curved  inwards ;  anthers  innate, 
2-celled,  bursting  longitudinally.  Ovary  superior,  solitary, 
simple,  1 -celled  ;  ovula,  2,  suspended  ;  styles  terminal,  with 
a  furrow  on  one  side,  terminating  in  a  reniform  stigma. 
Fruit  a  drupe,  with  the  putamen  sometimes  separating 
spontaneously  from  the  sarcocarp.  Seeds  mostly  solitary, 
suspended  in  consequence  of  the  cohesion  of  a  funiculus 
umbilicalis,  arising  from  the  base  of  the  cavity  of  the  ova- 
rium, with  its  side  embryo  straight,  with  the  radicle  point- 
ing to  the  hilum  ;  cotyledons  thick ;  albumen  none  ;  trees,  or 
shrubs.  Leaves  simple,  alternate,  usually  glandular  towards 
the  base  ;  stipules  simple,  mostly  glandular.  Flowers  white, 
or  pink.  Hydrocyanic  acid  present  in  the  leaves  and  ker- 
nel. 

Affinities.  Distinguished  from  Rosaceae,  (the  Rose 
tribe,)  and  Pomaceae,  (the  Apple  tribe,)  by  their  fruit  being 
a  drupe,  their  bark  yielding  gum,  and  by  the  presence  of 
hydrocyanic  [prussic]  acid.  •  From  Leguminosre,  (the  Pea 
tribe,)  they  are  distinguished  by  the  latter  character,  and 
also  by  their  regular  petals  and  stamens,  and  especially  by 
the  odd  segment  of  the  five  lobed  calyx  of  that  order  being 
inferior,  not  superior.  This  tribe  is  also  distinguished  from 
the  Chrysobalanae,  (the  Cocoa-plum  tribe,)  by  the  prussic 
acid,  terminal  styles,  and  regular  petals  and  stamens  of  the 
former. 

GEOGRAPHY.  Natives  exclusively  of  the  northern  hemis- 
phere, where  they  are  found  in  cold  or  temperate  climates. 

Properties.  The  astringent,  febrifugal  properties  of  the 
Rose  tribe,  with  which  order  these  are  usually  combined, 
are  also  found  in  the  Almond  tribe,  as  in  the  bark  of  the 
Oerasus  Virginiana,  [Prunus  Virginiana  (Wild  Cherry,)] 
which  is  prescribed  in  the  United  States,  and  of  the  Cerasus 


SYSTEM.  235 

tJapollim,  of  Mexico.  They  are,  however,  better  known  for 
yielding  an  abundance  of  prussic,  or  hydrocyanic  acid,  a 
deadly  principle  residing  in  the  leaves  and  kernel ;  in  conse- 
quence of  which,  some  of  the  species  are  poisonous  to  cattle, 
which  feed  upon  them  ;  as  for  example,  the  Cerasus  Capri- 
cida,  which  kills  the  goats  of  Nipal,  and  the  Cerasus  Virgin- 
lana,  which  is  known  in  North  America  to  be  dangerous.  The 
whole  tribe  yields  a  gum  analogous  to  gum  tragacanth.  Not- 
withstanding, however,  the  poisonous  principle  that  is  present 
in  them,  their  fruit  is,  in  many  cases,  a  favorite  food  ;  that  of 
the  Amygdalus,  (Peach,  and  Nectarine,)  Prunus,  (Plum  and 
Apricot,)  and  Cerasus,  (Cherry,)  are  among  the  most  deli- 
cious with  which  we  are  acquainted.  The  seed  of  the 
Amygdaius  is  familiar  to  us  under  the  name  of  Almonds,  and 
its  oil  under  the  name  of  Oil  of  Almonds.  The  bark  of  the 
root  of  Cerasus  Capollim,  is  used  in  Mexico  against  dysen- 
tery. Prunus  domestica,  or  the  common  Plum,  yields  those 
fruits  sold  in  the  shops  under  the  name  of  prunes,  which  are 
chiefly  prepared  in  France,  from  the  varieties  called  the  St. 
Catherine,  and  the  green  gage. — They  contain  so  much  sugar 
that  brandy  is  distilled  from  them  when  fermented,  and  it  has 
been  proposed  to  manufacture  sugar  from  them. 

Genera  belonging  to  this  natural  order  are  the  Almond, 
which  includes  the  Peach  and  Nectarine,  and  of  which  there 
are  six  or  eight  species,  and  a  great  number  of  varieties  ;  the 
Prunus,  (Plum,)  including  the  Apricot,  of  which  there  are  ten 
or  twelve  species ;  and  the  Cerasus,  (Cherry,)  containing 
twenty  or  more  species. 

In  our  recapitulation  of  the  definitions  of  the  class,  sub- 
class, and  tribe,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  where  the  or- 
der Amygdaleae  belongs  in  the  Natural  System,  we  will  take 
the  common  Peach  as  the  representative  of  all  the  species 
the  order  contains. 

1.  The  Peach  tree  is  characterized  by  its  pith,  woody  fibre, 
spiral  vessels,  and   bark.     It  also  has  distinct  flowers,  fur- 
nished with  stamens  and  pistils.     This  plant  therefore  belongs 
to  Class  I.  VASCULARES,  OR  FLOWERING  PLANTS. 

2.  The  leaves  of  the  Peach  are  distinctly  reticulated  with 
veins  ;  they  are  articulated  with  the  stem,  and  the  seed  con- 
tains two  cotyledons,  placed  opposite  to  each  other.     It  con- 
sequently belongs  to  Sub-Class  I.  EXOGEN^E,  or  DICOTYLE- 
DONOUS PLANTS. 


236  NATURAL. 

3  The  seed  is  enclosed  in  a  pericarp,  called  a  peach  stone, 
and  therefore  falls  under  Tribe  I.  ANGIOSPERM^. 

4.  The   flowers  of  the  Peach  are   many  petaled,  which 
brings  it  under  Division  A.     POLYPETALOUS. 

5.  The  Essential  Characters.     Calyx  five-toothed,  decidu- 
ous ;  petals  five,  perigynous  ;  stamens  20,  or  more,  arising 
from  the  throat  of  the  calyx ;  ovary  superior,  &c.     It  is  un- 
necessary to  repeat  the  other  characters  of  the  order. 

The  many  species  and  varieties  of  the  order  Amygdaleae, 
all  coincide  in  possessing  the  various  parts  and  properties  in- 
dicated by  the  terms  of  the  above  scientific  description,  and 
therefore  form  as  a  whole,  one  Natural  Order,  or  Tribe.  The 
individual  species  differ  in  some  degree,  in  the  force,  or  quan- 
tity of  their  medicinal,  or  active  properties,  but  they  all  agree 
in  possessing  more  or  less  of  that  singular  and  deleterious 
substance,  prussic  acid.  As  another  example,  the  Iris  may 
be  taken. 

1.  This  plant  has  distinct  flowers,  furnished  with  stamens 
and  pistils,  and  therefore  belongs  to  Class  I.  VASCULARES. 

2.  It  has  a  stem  in  which  there  is  no  distinction  of  wood, 
bark,  and  pith ;  and  leaves  in  which  the  veins  run  parallel 
with  each  other,  exhibiting  no  signs  of  proper  reticulation. 
It  therefore  agrees  with  the  description  of  ENDOGEN./E,  or 

MONOCOTYLEDONOUS  PLANTS. 

3.  The  Iris  has  a  corolla  of  six  divisions,  and  therefore 
comes  under  Tribe  I.   PETALOIDEJE. 

The  description  of  the  order  is  as  follows  : 

IRIDE^E,  THE  CORNFLAG  TRIBE. 

Petals  six  ;  stamens  three  ;  Cotyledons  one  ;  ovarium  infe- 
rior ;  anthers  turned  outwards,  and  equi-distant. 

Essential  Characters.  Calyx  and  corolla,  superior,  con- 
founded ;  their  divisions  partly  cohering,  or  entirely  separate  ; 
sometimes  irregular,  the  three  petals  occasionally  being  very 
short ;  stamens  three,  arising  from  the  base  to  the  sepals  , 
filaments  distinct,  or  connate  ;  anthers  bursting  externally, 
lengthwise,  fixed  by  their  base,  two  celled  ;  ovarium  three 
celled,  cells  many  seeded;  style  one;  stigmas  three,  often 
petaloid,  sometimes  two  lipped ;  capsule  three  celled,  three 
valved,  with  a  loculicidal  dehiscence ;  seeds  attached  to  the 
inner  angle  of  the  cell,  sometimes  to  a  central  column,  be- 
coming loose.  Herbaceous  plants,  or  very  seldom  under- 
shrubs,  usually  smooth.  Inflorescence  terminal.  Leaves 


SYSTEM.  237 

equitant,  and  distichous,  that,  is,  overlapping  each  other  in 
two  rows. 

Affinities.  The  plants  of  this  order  differ  from  the  Nar- 
cissus tribe,  in  being  Triandrous,  with  the  anthers  turned  out- 
wards ;  from  Orchideae,  to  which  they  approach  very  nearly 
in  some  respects,  in  not  being  Gynandrous,  and  in  all  their 
anthers  being  distinct.  The  Iris  represents  the  general  char- 
acter of  the  order,  but  a  departure  from  the  form  of  the  peri- 
anthium  found  in  that  genus,  takes  place  in  the  Crocus. 
The  dilated  stigma  found  in  the  Iris  is  a  characteristic  of  the 
whole  order  ;  in  the  Crocus,  it  is  rolled  up,  instead  of  being 
spread  open. 

Geography.  Principally  natives  either  of  the  Cape  of  Good 
Hope  or  of  the  middle  parts  of  North  America,  and  Europe. 
A  few  only  are  found  within  the  tropics,  and  the  order  is 
generally  far  from  abundant  in  South  America,  if  compared 
with  the  numbers  that  exist  at  the  Cape. 

Properties.  More  remarkable  for  their  beautiful  fugitive 
flowers  than  for  their  utility.  The  roots  of  some  of  them  are 
slightly  stimulating,  as  the  violet-scented  orris  root,  the  pro- 
duce of  the  Iris  Floreritina.  The  substance  called  saffron 
is  the  dried  stigmas  of  a  Crocus,  one  of  the  members  of  the 
order.  In  North  America,  according  to  the  statement  of  Pro- 
fessor Torrey,  we  have  twelve  species  of  this  order. 

These  examples  are  all  which  our  limits  will  allow  us  to 
give.  Meantime  we  commend  to  the  pupil's  attention  who 
desires  to  pursue  this  highly  interesting  subject,  Professor 
Torrey's  edition  of  Lindley's  Natural  System,  recently  pub- 
lished by  the  Messrs.  Carvill,  New-York. 

CLASS  I.— VASCULARES,  OR   FLOWERING 
PLANTS. 

SUB-CLASS  I. — EXOGENES,   OR   PLANTS    WITH   TWO   COTY- 
LEDONS. 

leaves  reticulated,  pith,  wood,  and  bark  distinct.     Nearly  all 
our  trees,  shrubs,  and  larger  herbs  are  of  this  kind 

TRIBE  1 — ANGIOSPERM.E. 
Seeds  enclosed  in  a  pericarp,  or  capsule. 

1.  POLYPETALOUS,  APETALOUS,  AND  AcHLAMYDEOUS 

PLANTS. 
Polypetalous  plants,  included   here,  have  a  calyx  and  a 


238  NATURAL 

corolla,  with  many  petals.  Apetalous  plants  have  a  calyx, 
but  no  corolla,  (Ex.  Poke,)  and  Achlamydeous  plants  have 
neither  calyx  nor  corolla,  (Ex.  Birch,  Willow.) 

The  following  catalogue  of  Natural  Orders  is  arranged  ac- 
cording to  Professor  Lindley's  Natural  System  of  Botany. 
The  orders  include  North  American  genera  only,  and  em- 
brace most  of  those  arranged  by  Professor  Torrey,  of  the 
New  York  University,  in  his  edition  of  Lindley's  Natural 
System,  with  the  exception  of  the  Grasses  and  Cellulares. 

The  examples  do  not  include  all  Professor  Torrey's  genera. 
The  properties  are  chiefly  extracted  from  Professor  Lindley. 

1.  ORDER  1.     ARALACE.E.     The  Aralia  tribe.     Ex.   Aralia. 
Panax.     Properties.      Ginseng,  a  species  of  Panax,  is  val- 
ued by  the  Chinese  as  a  nervine. 

2.  UMBELLIFFER^E.     The  Umbelliferous  tribe.     Ex.  Cicuta, 
Sanicula,  Daucus,  Angelica,  Coniuin,  Sium.      Properties. 
Herbs  often  poisonous,  sometimes  esculent,  as  Celery.     Seeds 
warm  and  agreeable  aromatics. 

3.  RANUNCULACE^E.     The  Crowfoot  tribe.     Ex.  Ranunculus, 
Hepatica,  Coptis,  Aquilegia,   Actea,  Thalictrum,  Paeonia. 
Prop.  Acrid  or  poisonous,  sometimes  simply  astringent,  or 
inert.      The  caustic  principle  is  lost  by  drying. 

4.  PAPAVERACE^E.     The   Poppy  tribe.     Ex.  Papaver,  San- 
guinaria,  Chledonium.     Prop.     Narcotic,  emetic,  and  stimu- 
lant.    Opium  is  the  dried  juice  of  the  Poppy. 

5.  NYMPHEACE./E.      The   Water  Lily  Tribe.     Ex.   Nuphar, 
Nymphaea.     Prop.   Sedative  and  emollient. 

6.  NELUMBONEJE.     Ex.  Nelumbium.     Prop.  Inert    herbs. 
Beautiful  flowers. 

7.  HYDROPELTIDE^E.      Ex.   Hydropeltis,  Cabomba.      Prop. 
Unknown. 

8.  PODOPHYLLEJE.     The  May  Apple  Tribe.     Ex.  Podophyl- 
lum,  Jeffersonia.     Prop.   Cathartic. 

9.  CRUCIFERJE.     The  Cruciferous  tribe.     Ex.  Thlaspi,  Den- 
taria,    Brassica,    Cardamine,   Sinapis,    Lepidium,  Arabis. 
Prop.  Antiscorbutic,  and  stimulant,  with  an  acrid  flavor.    In 
the  Cress,  Turnip,  and  Cabbage,  this  is  pleasant. 

10.  FUMARIACEJE.       The    Fumitory   tribe.      Ex.  Fumaria, 
Corydalis,    Adlumia.      Prop.    Diaphoretic    and    aperient ; 
aroma,  none. 


SYSTEM.  239 

11.  CAPARIDE^:.     The    Caper  tribe.     Ex.  Cleome,  Polani- 
sia.     Prop.  Stimulant  and  vesicatory. 

12.  ANONACE^.      The   custard    Apple  tribe.     Ex.    Anona. 
Asimina.     Prop.  Aromatic,  succulent,  aud  eatable. 

13  MAGNOLIACEJ&.  The  Magnolia  tribe.  Ex.  Magnolia, 
Liriodendron.  Prop.  Bitter  and  tonic.  Flowers  fragrant. 
Ex.  Magnolia. 

4.    WINTERED.     The  Winter's  Bark  tribe.     Ex.  Illicium. 
Prop.  Stomachic  and  carminative. 

15.  CALYCANTHE.E.     Prop.  Flowers  aromatic  and  fragrant. 

16.  LAURINE^.     The  Cinnamon  tribe.    Ex.  Laurus.     Prop. 
Highly  aromatic,  warm  and  spicy ;  odor  pleasant.      Contain 
Camphor. 

17.  BKRBERIDE.E.     The  Berberry  tribe.     Ex.  Berberis,  Le- 
ontice,   Epimedium.     Prop.  Acid  and  slightly  astringent, 
the  acid  being  oxalic. 

18.  MENISPERME^E.      The  Cocculus  tribe.     Ex.    Menispei- 
mum,  Cocculus,    Prop.  Bitter  and  tonic.    The  seeds  of  some 
narcotic. 

19.  MALVACEAE.     The  Mallow  tribe.     Ex.  Malva,  Hibiscus, 
Sida.     Prop.  Wholesome,  mucilaginous,  and  emollient. 

20.  TILIACE.<E.   The  Linden  tribe.     Ex.  Tilia.    Prop.  None, 
handsome  trees. 

21.  GUTTIFER.E.       The    Mangosteen  tribe.       Ex.     Clnsia 
Prop.      The  species  abound  in  a  yellow,  purgative  gum  resi- 
nous juice. 

22.  HYPERICINE^E,     The    Tutsan   tribe.      Ex.    Hypericum, 
Ascyrum.     Prop.   Cathartic  and  febrifugal. 

23.  SAXIFRAGES.      The   Saxifrage  tribe.      Ex.  Saxifragia, 
Heuchera,   Adoxa,    Parnasia.     Prop.    Astringent.      Little 
used. 

24.  HAMAMELIDE^E.     The  Witch-Hazel  tribe.     Ex.  Hama- 
melis,  Fothergilla.     Prop.  Unknown. 

25.  PHILADELPHEJE.    The  Syringa  tribe.    Ex.  Philadelphus, 
Decumaria.     Prop.  Unknown. 

26.  GROSSULACE.E.     The  Currant  tribe.     Ex.  Ribes.    Prop 
Acidulous  and  tonic. 

27.  CACTE^E.     The  Indian  Fig  tribe.     Ex.    Opuntia,  Mam- 
millaria.     Prop.  Acidulous  and  agreeable. 

28.  ONAGRARLE.     The   Evening  Primrose  tribe.     Ex.  Epi- 
lobium,  (Enothera,  Isnardia.     Prop.  Few  or  unknown. 

29.  CIRCJEACE,E.     The  Enchanter's  Nightshade  tribe.     Ex 
Circeea.     Prop.  Unknown. 


240  NATURAL 

30.  SALICARLE.     The   Loosestrife  tribe.     Ex.     Peplis,  Ly- 
thrum.     Prop.  Astringent  and  acrid. 

31.  RHIZOPHORE.E.     The  Mangrove  tribe.     Ex.    Rhizopho- 
ra.     Prop.  Astringent. 

32.  MELASTOMACE.E.     Ex.  Rhexia.     Prop.   Slightly  astrin- 
gent. 

33.  EL^EAGNEJE.     The  Oleaster  tribe.     Ex.  Elaeagnus  Shep- 
herdis.     Prop.      The  fruit  of  some  eatable. 

34.  ARISTOLOCHIJE.     The  Birthwort  tribe.      Ex.    Aristolo- 
chia,  Asarum.     Prop.  Highly  tonic  and  stimulating ;  much 
used  in  medicine. 

35.  SANTALACE.E.     The  Sanders  tribe.     Ex.  Nyosa,  Hamil- 
tonia.     Prop.    Sedative  and  one  species  odoriferous. 

36.  THYMELE.E.     The  Mezereum  tribe.     Ex.  Dirca.     Prop 
Bark  caustic,  blistering  the  skin. 

37.  SANGUISORBE^E.     The  Burnet  tribe.     Ex.  Sanguisorba, 
Alchemilla.     Prop.   Slightly  astringent. 

38.  ROSACE JE.     The  Rose. tribe.     Ex.  Rosa,  Spiraea,  Geum, 
Gilleriia,  Agrimonia.     Prop.   All  wholesome  and  mostly  as- 
tringent.    Some  highly  odoriferous.     Geum  and  Spircea  art 
good  astringents. 

39.  POMACES.     The  Apple  tribe.      Ex.    Pyrus,   Cratsegus 
Prop.  Delicious  food,  except  a  species  or  two. 

40.  AMYGDALE^.     The  Almond  tribe.     Ex.  Prunus,  Amyg- 
dalus.     Prop.   Delicious  acidulous  fruits  ;  seeds  and  leaves 
yielding  prussic  acid. 

41.  LEGUMINOSJE.    The  Pea  tribe.     Ex.    Pisum,  Phaseolus 
Lupinus,  Mimosa,  Robinia,  Lathyrus,  Apios,  Hedysarum, 
Acacia,  Cassia,  Gleditschia.     This  order  is  so  numerous, 
and  contains  such  a  diversity  of  species  as  to  be  divided 
into  several  sections.      Prop.    General  character  eminently 
wholesome,  as  the  Pea,  Bean,  and  Vetch.       Some  species  of 
Mimosa  and  Lathyrus  are  deleterious.      The  order  contains 
some  of  the  most  splendid  flowering  trees.     The  Logwood  and 
Rosewood  of  commerce  also  belong  here. 

42.  URTICE^E.       The  Nettle  tribe.     Ex.  Urtica,  Cannabis, 
Humulus.     Prop.  Narcotic  and  bitter,  sometimes  poisonous. 
The  Hop  is  universally  employed  in  making  beer. 

43.  ULMACE.E.     The  Elm  tribe.     Ex.    Uimus,  Planera,  Cel- 
tis.     Prop.      Unimportant ;  noble  trees. 

44.  ARTOCARPE.E.      The  Bread   Fruit  tribe.     Ex.    Morus, 
Maclura.     Prop.    Quite  opposite.      The  Fig,  Mulberry,  and 
Bohon  Upas  belong  here. 


SYSTEM.  241 

45.  CUPULIFER^E.     The  Oak  tribe.     Ex.  Quercus,  Castanea, 
Corylus,  Fagus.     Prop.     Astringents.      Contain  much  tan- 
nen  and  gallic  acid.     Noble  trees  of  the  forest. 

46.  BETULINE.E.     The   Birch   tribe.      Ex.     Betula,    Alnus, 
Carpinus.     Prop.    Bark  astringent  and  aromatic,  or  contain- 
ing coloring  matter. 

47.  SALICINE.E.     The  Willow  tribe.      Ex.  Salix,  Populus. 
Prop.  Bark  astringent  and  tonic.      Ornamental  trees. 

10.  PLATANS.     The   Plane    tribe.     Ex.    Platanus.   Liquid- 
atnbar.     Prop.     Noble  trees. 

49.  JUGLANDE^E.  The  Walnut  tribe.  Ex.  Juglans,  Carya. 
Prop.  Bark  astringent ;  fruit  oily  and  eatable  ;  Jine  timber 
trees. 

50.  MYRICE^E.     The  Gale  tribe.     Ex.  Myrica,  Comptonia. 
Prop.     Aromatic  shrubs.      One  species  yields  wax. 

51.  EUPHORBIACE^E.     The  Euphorbiura  tribe.     Ex.  Euphor- 
bia, Acalpha,  Croton,  Jatropha,  Tragia.     Prop.      Generally 
stimulant  and  exciting.       Some  emetic,  others  acrid  and  poi- 
sonous.    Some  contain  a  milky  juice  which  is  used  as  a  var- 
nish. 

52.  EMPETRE^.      The   Crowberry  tribe.     Ex.    Empetrum, 
Ceratiola.      Prop.      Unknown. 

53.  RHAMNEJE.     The  Buckthorn  tribe.     Ex.  Rhamnus,  Ce- 
nothus.     Prop.     Berries  cathartic ;  leaves  mild  astringent. 

54.  STAPHYLEACE.E.       The    Bladder-nut   tribe.       Ex.     Sta- 
phylia.     Prop    Unknown  ;  handsome  shrubs. 

55.  HIPPOCASTANE.E  The  Horse  Chestnut  tribe.  Ex. 
Pavia.  Prop.  Seeds  farinaceous ;  bark  bitter. 

56.  SAPINDACE./E.      The    Soap-tree    tribe.     Ex.     Sapindus, 
Cardiospermum.     Prop.  Fruit  eatable ;  leaves  of  ten  poison- 
ous. 

57.  ACERINE^E.     The  Sycamore  tribe.     Ex.  Acer,   Negun- 
dium.     Prop.     Sap  of  the  Acer  yields  sugar. 

58.  VITES.     The  Vine  tribe.     Ex.  Vitis,  Ampelopsis.  Prop. 
The  Vine  is  well  known  as  yielding  wine  and  raisins. 

59.  MELIACEJE.     The  Bead-tree  tribe.     Ex.    Melia.     Prop. 
Fruit  oily,  sometimes  aromatic  ;  bark  tonic. 

60.  ANACARDIACE.E.     The  Cashew  tribe.  Ex.  Rhus.     Prop 
Trees  or  shrubs  with  acrid  or  poisonous  juice,  sometimes  em- 
ployed as  varnish.     Some  are  used  in  tanning. 

61.  GERANIACE.E.     The  Geranium    tribe.     Ex.    Geranium 

21 


242  NATURAL 

Prop.     Some  species  are  highly  odoriferous ;  root  of  others 
Astringent ;  favorite  house  plants. 

62.  OXALIDE.E.     The  Wood  Sorrel  tribe.     Ex.  Oxalis.  Prop. 
Foliage  containing  oxalic  acid.      Some  are  astringent. 

63.  BALSAMINE^E.       The   Balsam  tribe.        Ex.     Impatiens. 
Prop.      Capsules  remarkable  for  expelling  their  seeds. 

63.  POLYGALE.E.  The  Milkwort  tribe.  Ex.  Polygala,  Kra- 
meria.  Prop.  Root  milky ;  leaves  bitter ;  emetic,  sudorific, 
and  expectorant. 

65.  VIOLACE.E.     The  Violet  tribe.  Ex.  Viola,  Solea.  Prop. 
Roots  emetic,  mucilaginous ;  favorite  flowers. 

66.  PASSIFLORE.E.     The  Passion  Flower  tribe.     Ex.  Passi- 
flora.     Prop.      Unknown.      Climbing  plants  with  beautiful 
flowers. 

67.  CisTiNEvE.     The  Rock-Rose  tribe.     Ex.    Lechea,  Hud- 
sonia.     Prop.     One  species  yields  a  balsamic  resin. 

68.  SARRACENLE.     The  Side  Saddle  Flower  tribe.   Ex.  Sar- 
racenia.     Prop.   Unknown.    Curious  plants  ;  the  leaves  con- 
taining water. 

69.  DROSERACE.E.     The  Sundew  tribe.     Ex.  Drosera,  Dio- 
naea.     Prop.     Unknown.      The   Dion&a    has  a   leaf  which 
catches  flies  by  closing  upon  them. 

70.  LINE.E.     The  Flax  tribe.     Ex.    Linum.     Prop.     Seeds 
mucilaginous  and  diuretic;   fibre    tenacious,  forming  linen 
thread. 

71.  CARYOPHILLE^.     The  Chickweed  tribe.    Ex.  Dianthus, 
Saponaria,  Mqllugo,  Spergula,  Lychnis.     Prop.    Qualities, 
insipid.      ThffPmk  genus  fragrant  and  beautiful ;  the  spe~ 
cies  of  little,  note. 

72.  ELATINE^.      The  Water  Pepper  tribe.     Ex.     Crypta,. ' 
Prop.      Unknown. 

73.  CRASSALACE.E.     The  House-leek   tribe.     Ex.      Tillea, 
Sedum,   Penthorum.      Prop.     Refrigerant,   and   somewhat 
acrid. 

74.  TICOIDE^E.     Ex.  Sesuvium.     Prop.   The  succulent  leaves 
sometimes  eaten. 

75.  AMARANTACE.E.     The   Amaranth  tribe.     Ex.    Amaran- 
thus,  Iresene,  Oprotheca.     Prop.     Leaves  of  some  used  for 
pot  herbs.     One  species  used  for  fevers  and  colics. 

76.  CHENOPODE^E.      The   Goosefoot  tribe.     Ex.    Chenopo- 
dium.  Atriplex,  Salicornia,  Blitum.     Prop.     Pot  herbs  and 
Pickles.     Also  a  vermifuge  oil  and  soda. 


SYSTEM.  243 

77.  PHYTOLACCE^E.     The  Virginian  Poke  tribe.     Ex.  Phy- 
tolacca,  Rivina.     Prop.  Emetic  and  anti-rheumatic. 

78.  POLYGONE^E.    The  Buckwheat  tribe.    Ex.  Rumex,  Poly- 
gon urn,  Eriogormm.      Prop.  Herbs  acid  and  agreeable ;  roots 
nauseous  and  purgative.      The  seed  of  one  species  forms  edi- 
ble flour. 

79.  NYCTAGINE.E.     The  Marvel  of  Peru  tribe.     Ex.  Abronia, 
Boerhaavia,    Mirabilis.      Prop.    Insipid ;    generally  weeds. 
Mirabilis  is  cultivated  as  an  ornament. 

80.  PIPERACE.E.      The  Pepper  tribe.       Ex.    Piper.       Prop., 
Pungent,  stimulant,  aromatic,  and  wholesome. 

81.  CALLITRICHINE.E.    The  Starwort  tribe.    Ex.  Callitriche. 
Prop.   Unknown.     Aquatic  plants. 

2.    MONOPETALOUS    PLANTS. 

The  corollas  of  the  plants  under  this  division,  form  single 
floral  envelopes,  or  are  of  one  piece,  and  not  separable  into 
distinct  petals  like  those  of  the  last  division. 

82.  ILICINE.E.     The  Holly  tribe.     Ex.  Ilex,  Prinos.      Prop. 
Bark  and  berries  astringent  and  tonic. 

83.  ERICE^E.     The  Heath  tribe.     Ex.  1st.  Arbutus,   Gaul- 
theria,  Andromeda,   Clethra.     2d.  Kalmia,  Rhododendron, 
Azalea,  Ledum.     Prop.   The  first  division  diuretic ;  2d,  as- 
tringent.    Some  are  poisonous,  as  Kelmia  ;  some  aromatic, 
as    Gaultheria. 

84.  VACCINES.     The  Bilberry  tribe.     Ex.  Vaccinium,  Oxy- 
coccus.     Prop.    Bark  and  leaves  tonic ;  fruit  agreeable  and 
wholesome. 

85.  PYROLACE.E.      The    Wintergreen   tribe.      Ex.    Pyrola, 
Chimaphila,     Monotropa.       Prop.      Tonic     and    diuretic. 
Used  to  flavor  beer. 

86.  CAMPANULACE.E.     The  Campanula  tribe.     Ex.  Campa- 
nula, Prismatocarpus.     Prop.     Inactive,  but   beautiful  flow- 
ers. 

87.  LOBELIACE^E.     The  Lobelia  tribe.     Ex.  Lobelia,  Clin- 
tonia.     Prop.   Suspicious,   or  actually  poisonous.     Lobelia 
inflata  is  emetic,  sudorific,  and  expectorant. 

88.  CUCURBITACE^E.      The     Gourd    tribe.      Ex.    Cucumis, 
Momordica,  Melothria.     Prop.  Useful  as  food  and  medicine. 
Colocynth  comes  from  a  Cucumis,  and  so  does  the  Cucumber 
and  Melon, 

89.  PLANTAGINE.E.     The    Rib-Grass  tribe.     Ex.  Plantago 


244  NATURAL 

Prop.     Slightly  bitter  and  cooling.      P.    Lanceolate    wul 
M*  ary. 

00.  PLUMBAGINE*:.  The  Leadwort  tribe.  Ex.  Statice. 
Armeria,  Plumbago.  Prop.  Opposite.  Some  tonic  and  as- 
tringent ;  others  acrid  and  caustic. 

91.  VALERIANE/E.      The    Valerian    tribe.       Ex.    Valerian, 
Phyllactis.     Prop.     Antihysteric  and  aromatic.      The  roots 
of  the  Valerian  highly  odoriferous  and  antispasmodic. 

92.  COMPOSITE.     This  is  an  extensive  Natural  Order,  and  is 
divided  into  the  following  Sub-orders  and  Tribes. 

SUB. ORDER   1 . — CichoracecB . 

TRIBE  1. — Hieracea.     Ex.  Hieracium,  Prenanthes,   Crepis. 

TRIBE  2. — Taraxacea.     Ex.    Leontodon,  Apargia,    Cynthia. 

TRIBE  3. — Lactuceae.      Ex.  Lactuca,  Sonchus. 

TRIBE  4.   Chicorea.     Ex.  Chicorium. 

SUB-ORDER  2. — Carduaceae.  Ex.  Arctium,  Carduus,  Ele- 
phantopus,  Vernonia,  Gnaphalium,  Liatris. 

SUB-ORDER  3. — Asterea.  Ex.  Erigeron.  Aster,  Solidago, 
Bellis. 

SUB-ORDER  4. — Eupatorinete.      Ex.  Eupatorium,  Kuhuia. 

SUB-ORDER  5. — Jacobean.     Ex.  Cacalia,  Tussilago,  Senecio. 

SUB-ORDER  6. — Helianthea.  Ex.  Helianthus,  Rudbeckia, 
Coreopsis,  Bidens,  Chrysanthemum,  Galardia. 

SUB-ORDER  7. — Ambrosiacea.  Ex.  Parthenum,  Ambrosia, 
Iva,  Xanthium. 

Properties.  There  is  a  bitterness  peculiar  to  most  of  the  Com- 
posite ;  sometimes  mixed  with  tonic,  stomachic,  or  febrifugal 
virtues,  and  sometimes  with  mucilage,  or  highly  odorific  prin- 
ciples ;  others  of  this  order,  as  Lettuce,  contain  opium,  and 
others  are  insipid  and  inert. 

93.  SELLAT^J.     The    Madder   tribe.      Ex.    Galium,    Rubia. 
Prop.    Important  as  affording    coloring    matter  for  dyes. 
The   Indians  of  the   West  color  a  beautiful  red  with  Ga- 
lium. 

94.  CINCHONE^E.      The  Peruvian  Bark  tribe.     Ex.   Dioda, 
Cephalanthus,    Mitchella.     Prop.      The   barks  of  the  true 
Cinchona  are  powerful  tonics  and  febrifuges ;    qualities  de- 
pending on  the  alkalies  Cinchonia  and  Quinia,  but  the  proper- 
ties of  their  affinities  are  little  known. 

95.  CAPRIFOLIACEJE.      The    Honeysuckle   tribe.      Ex.    1st, 
Caprifolium,    Lonicera,    Linnaea,    Diervilla,    Triosteum ; 
2d,  Viburnum,  Sambucus  ;  3d,  Cornus  ;  4th,  Hydrangea. 
Prop.      The  Honeysuckles  have  no  properties   beyond  their 
beauty  and  fragrance.      Elder   is   slightly    cathartic,    the 


SYSTEM.  245 

flowers  being  good  for  infants.     Dogwood  bark  is  highly  tonic. 
Triosteum  is  cathartic  and  febrifugal. 

96.  ASCLEPIADE^E.     The  Milkweed  Tribe.     Ex.  Asclopias, 
Gonolobus,  Periploca,  Cynanchum.    Prop.   Roots  stimula- 
ting, sometimes  emetic,  or  cathartic.     Asclepias  decumbens  is 
sudorific. 

97.  APOCYNE^E.     The  Dog's  Bane  Tribe.     Ex.  Apocynnm, 
Amsonia,  Echites.     Prop.    Similar  to  those  of  Asclepiadea, 
but  perhaps  more  active  and  suspicious. 

9S.   GENTIANE.E.     The  Gentian  tribe.     Ex.  Gentiana,  Fra- 
sera,    Exacum,  Centaurella,    Houstonia,  Villarsia,  Meriy- 
anthes.     Prop.     Intense  bitterness  of  the  root  and  stem,  be 
ing  tonic,  stomachic  and  febrifugal. 

99.  SPIGELIACE.E.      The    Wormseed  tribe.      Ex.   Spigelia. 
Prop.     Powerfully  vermifugal. 

100.  CONVOLVULACE.E.     The  Bindweed  tribe.     Ex.  Convol- 
vulus,   Ipomoea,    Cuscuta,    E volvulus.      Prop.     The    roots 
abound   in  milky  juice,  which   is   cathartic.     Scamony  and 
jalap  are  produced  from  plants  of  this  order. 

101.  POLEMONIACE^.     The  Greek  Valerian  tribe.     Ex.  Po- 
lemoiiium,  Phlox,   Collomia,  Ipomosis.     Prop.   Unknown. 
Probably  none. 

102.  HYDROLEACE,E.     Ex.  Hydrolea,  Diapensia.     Prop.  Hy 
drolea  is  slightly  bitter. 

103.  EBENACE.E,    The  Ebony  tribe.    Ex.  Diospyrus.    Prop 
Remarkable  only  for  the  hardness  and  blackness  of  the  wood 
and  edible  quality  of  the  fruit. 

104.  OLEACE^S.     The   Olive   tribe.     Ex.    Olea,    Ligustrum 
Chionanthus,  Fraxinus.     Prop.    This  order  affords  the  onlq 
instance  in  which  oil  is  contained  in  the  pericarp,  this  being 
the   case    with   the   common    Olive.     Manna  comes  from  the 
Ash. 

105.  PRIMULACE.E.     The  Primrose  tribe.     Ex.  Primula,  Ly- 
simachia,   Trientalis,  Glaux,  Anagallis,   Samolus.     Prop 
Modest,  favorite  jlowers. 

106.  LENTIBULARLE.     Ex.    Pinguicula,  Utricularia.     Prop. 
None,  or  unknown. 

107.  OROBANCHE.E.    The  Broom-rape  tribe.    Ex.  Orobanche 
Epiphagus.     Prop.  The  Orobanche  Virginica  is  said  to  form 
a  part  of  Martin 's  famous  cancer  powder. 

08.  SCROPHULARINE.E.       The    Figwort    tribe.  Ex.    1st, 

Veronica,     Leptandra  ;     2d,     Buchnera ;     3d,  Scrophu- 

laria,  Antirrhinum,  Mimulus,  Gratiola,  Chelone,  Gerardia, 
21* 


246  NATURAL 

Capraria.  Prop.  Generally  somewhat  acrid  and  bitter 
ish  The  root  of  Scrophularia  is  a  popular  remedy  in  scro- 
fula. 

09.  RHINANTHACE*:.  The  Rattle  tribe.  Ex.  Rhinanthus, 
Pedicularis,  Euphrasia,  Bartsia,  Eucroma,  Melampyrum. 
Prop.  Not  worthy  of  notice. 

110.  SOLANEJE.      The    Nightshade     tribe.     Ex.     Solarium, 
Physalis,     Nicotiana,     Datura,     Capsicum,    Verbascum. 
Prop.    These    are    very  discordant,  including  on    one    hand 
the  deadly    Nightshade,     the    Henbane,     and     Stramonium, 
and  on  the  other  the  wholesome    Potato,  Tomato,  and    Egg- 
plant.    Perhaps   the   narcotic  properties  of  these    esculents 
are  destroyed  by  cooking,  a  circumstance    not   uncommon  in 
vegetables. 

111.  ACANTHACE^E.     The  Justicia  tribe.     Ex.  Justicia,  Ru- 
ellia,  Elytraria.     Prop.  Little  known. 

112.  PEDALINE.E.      The    Oil-seed    tribe.      Ex.    Martynia. 
Prop.    Leaves  of  some  emollient. 

113.  VERBENACE^.      The    Vervian   tribe.      Ex.    Verbena, 
Callicarpa,  Lantana.     Prop.    Of  little  importance. 

114.  LABIATE.     The    Mint  tribe.     This    order   is    divided 
into    several   sections.     Ex.    1st,  Mentha,    Lycopus;  2d, 
Pycnanthemum,  Thymus,  Origanum  ;  3d,  Teucrium,  Col- 
linsonia,  Trichostema  ;  4th,  Monarda,  Cunila,  Synandra  ; 
5th,  Nepeta,  Leonorus,  Lamium,  Glechoma,   Marrubium, 
Melissa,    Prunella,     Scutellaria,    Salvia;     6th.     Hyptis. 
Prop.     The    tonic,  cordial,    and    stomachic    qualities,     due 
to  the  presence  of  an  aromatic  volatile  oil,  and  a  bitter  prin- 
ciple, are   the   universal   feature  of  Labiate,  which  do  not 
contain  a  single  unwholesome,  or  even  suspicious  species. — 
Lindley. 

115.  BoRAGiNEyE.     The  Borage  tribe.     Ex.  Lycopsis,  Li- 
thospermum,  Symphytum,  Myosotis.     Prop.    Soft,   Emol- 
lient, and  mucilaginous. 

116.  HYDROPHYLLE^E.     The  Water   Leaf  tribe.     Ex.    Hy- 
drophyllum,  Nemophilla,  Phacelia.     Prop.   Unknown. 

TRIBE  11. — GYMNOSPERMJB. 
Seeds  destitute  of  a  pericarp. 

117.  CYCADE^E.     Ex.  Zamia.     Prop.    They   abound  in   mu- 
cilaginous, nauseous  juice. 

118.  CONIFERJS.    The  Fir  tribe.     Ex.  Finns,  Taxus,  Abies, 
Larix,  Thuya,   Juniperus,   Cupressus.     Prop.  This  order 


SYSTEM..  247 

contains  an  assemblage  of  the  most  noble  and  important  of 
all  the  forest  trees.  From  the  species,  not  only  the  masts 
and  spars  of  ships  are  obtained,  but  also  in  a  commercial 
relation,  the  equally  necessary  articles,  tar,  pitch,  resin,  and 
turpentine. 

SUB-CLASS  II. — ENDOGEN.E,  OR  PLANTS  WITH  ONE  COTY- 
LEDON. 

Leaves  often  sheathing  at  the  base,  and  not  articulated 
with  the  stem,  veins  chiefly  parallel.  Flowers  with  the  calyx 
in  three  divisions,  and  a  corolla  in  three  or  six  divisions 
Stem  without  any  distinction  of  wood,  bark,  and  pith. 

TRIBE  1. — PETALOIDE^E. 

Plants  of  this  tribe  have  flowers  with  petals  of  good  size, 
as  Ins,  and  Water  Plantain.  Or  in  some  instances  they  are 
spadaceous,  as  in  arum. 

119.  ALISMACE^E.     The  Water  Plantain  tribe.     Ex.  Alisma, 
Sagittaria.     Prop.    The  root  is  fleshy  and  eatable.     Alisma 
plantago  was  formerly  said  to  cure  hydrophobia. 

120.  HYDROCHARIDE.E.     The  Frog-bit  tribe.     Ex.   Hydro- 
charis,  Vallisnena.     Prop.  Insipid  water  plants. 

121.  COMMELINE^E.     The  Spider-wort  tribe.     Ex.  Comme- 
lina,  Tradescantia.     Prop.    Mere  weeds,  or  sometimes  fine 
flowering  plants. 

122.  BROMELIADE^E.     The  Pine-Apple  tribe.     Ex.  Tilland- 
sia,  Agave.     Prop.    The  flavor  of  the  Pine- Apple  is   well 
known.      The    Agave    is   a   thick  leaved  plant,  which,  when 
tapped,  is  said  to  yield  a  juice  capable  of  making  wine. 

123.  AMARYLLIDE.E.     The  Narcissus  tribe.     Ex.  Amaryllis, 
Crinum,  Pancratium.     Prop.  Beautiful  flowering  bulbs,  some 
of  which  are  acrid,  and  one  poisonous. 

124.  IRIDE*:.     The  Cornflag  tribe.     Ex.  Iris,  Sisyrinchium, 
Trichonema.     Prop.     Flowers  very  beautiful,  but  fugitive. 
The  roots  of  some   species   are    deleterious,    others  are    ca- 
thartic. 

125.  ORCHIDEVE.     The  Orchis  tribe.     This   order   contains 
many   species,   and  is  subdivided   into    several  sections 
Ex.    1.  Neotica,  Goodyera,  Neottia,    Listeria ;  2,  Arethu- 
f>e&,    Pogonia,    Calopogon,     Epipactis,   Arethusa,    Aplec- 
trum,  Triphora;   3,  Ophrydea,   Orchis,  Habenaria,  Tipu 


248  .NATURAL 

tlfjfe 

Kria  ;  4,  EpidendretB,  Epidendrum,  Bletia  ;  5,  Malaxidea5t 
Liparis,  Mycrostylis,  Calypso  ;  6,  Cypripcdioe,  Cypripedi- 
u m.  Prop.  Singular ;  highly  beautiful,  and  often  highly 
fragrant  flowers;  but  generally  of  little  known  utility. 
One  species  of  Orchis,  however,  affords  the  SALEP  of  the 
shops. 

126.  MARANTACE^E.     The    Arrow-root  tribe.       Ex.  Thalia, 
Maranta,   Canna.      Prop.    Highly  valuable  roots,  on  account 
of  yielding  the  fecula  called  arrow-root,  an  article  universally 
known  as  food  for  the  sick. 

127.  JUNCE^E.      The    Rush  tribe.     Ex.      Juncus,    Luzula, 
Narthecium.     Prop.  Used  chiefly  for  the  bottoms  of  chairs, 
and  other  mechanical  purposes. 

128.  MELANTHAOE.E.     The  Colchicum  tribe.    Ex.  Veratrum, 
Melanthium,  Nolina,  Tofeldia.     Prop.   This  is  a  deleterious 
order,  all  the  species  being  more  or  less  poisonous.       The  root 
of  the  Colchicum  is  a  drastic  emetic,  and  cathartic ;  and  tliat 
of  the  Veratrum,    even  in  small  doses  is  highly  exciting  ana 
irritative. 

129.  POXTEDERLE.     The  Pickerel-weed  tribe.     Ex.  Ponte- 
r'.eria,  Henteranthera.     Prop.   Showy  flowers,  of  no  use. 

130.  ASPHODELE^E.     The  Asphodel  tribe.     Ex.   Scilla,   Al- 
lium,  Asparagus,   Aletris,  Anthericum.     Prop.    These   are 
various.      The    Onion   tribe  are    strong    scented  esculents ; 
Scilla  or  Squill  is  expectorant ;  Aletris  is  bitter   and   tonic. 
The  Aloe,  which  belongs  here,   is  strongly  cathartic.       They 
all,  however,  agree  in  containing  a  stimulant,  or  acrid  princi- 
ple, more  or  less  concentrated. 

131.  SMILACE^D.     The  Smilax  tribe.     Ex.    Smilax,   Conval- 
laria,  Medeola,  Trillium,  Uvularia,  Streptopus.     Prop.  The 
fleshy  root  of  Medeola  is  eaten  as  a  sallad.      Smilax  is  emol- 
lient.    The  root  of  the  Trillium  is  emetic. 

132.  LILIUM.      The    Lily   tribe.       Ex.    Lilium,    Fritillaria, 
Yucca,  Erythronium.     Prop.     Remarkable  for   their   beau- 
tiful flowers.     In   Kamtschatka,    one  kind  of  Lily  root  is 
eaten. 

133.  AROIDE^.     The  Arum  tribe.    Ex.  Arum,  Acorus,  Oron- 
tium,  Caladium,  Symplocarpus,  Calla.     Prop.  Little  known. 
The   root  of  Acorus  (calamus  is  carminative,   and  aromatic. 
The  pollen  of   Typha  is  inflammable. 

134.  FLUVIALES.     Ex.    Zostera,  Caulinia,  Ruppia,   Potanio- 
geton.     Prop.  Unimportant. 

135.  PisTiACEjE.       The     Duckweed     tribe.      Ex.    Lemna 
Pistia.     Prop.    Of  no  importance. 


SYSTEM.  249 

The  above  epitome  will  not  only  inform  the  pupil  what  are 
the  properties  of  the  several  genera  contained  under  each  or 
der,  alter  he  has  ascertained  their  names  by  the  Linnsean  sys- 
tem, but  will  also  often  assist  him  in  finding  the  names  of  un- 
known plants.  Suppose  he  meets  with  the  Orontium,  for  ex- 
ample, a  plant  whose  name  he  does  not  know.  Now  in  this 
plant  the  stamens  are  often  indistinct,  and  difficult  to  be  as- 
certained. It  is  arranged  in  class  Hexandria,  but  its  appear- 
ance instantly  associates  it  with  Calla,  Arum,  and  Acorus. 
Its  leaf,  with  parallel  veins,  and  sheathing  footstalks,  and  its 
stem,  without  distinction  of  wood,  pith,  and  bark,  shows  that 
it  is  an  Endogenous  plant,  like  Sweet  Flag  and  its  asso- 
ciates :  and  its  spaclix  betrays  a  still  nearer  affinity  to  this  tribe. 
If,  then,  the  pupil  being  already  acquainted  with  Sweet  Flag, 
Arum,  &c.  refer  his  plant  to  this  order,  and  there  finds  Oron- 
tium, the  name  of  a  genus  he  does  not  know,  he  has  only  to 
find  the  description  of  this  plant  among  the  artificial  genera, 
in  order  to  ascertain  the  name  of  his  species.  This  is  in- 
tended merely  as  an  illustration  of  many  instances  in  which 
the  pupil  may  obtain  the  knowledge  he  desires  by  the  same 
means 


VEGETABLE  PHYSIOLOGY. 


THE  term  Physiology,  signifies  a  discourse  on  nature. 
Vegetable  Physiology  explains  the  nature,  appearances,  and 
uses,  of  the  internal  organs  of  Plants. 

Plants  being  limited  in  their  economy  to  the  functions  of 
nutrition  and  re-production  ;  and  being  fixed  to  the  same 
spot,  during  their  lives,  and  therefore  in  nearly  a  passive  con- 
dition, require  for  the  performance  of  these  functions,  me- 
chanical organs  of  a  very  different  kind  from  those  which 
are  necessary  to  carry  on  the  functions  of  animal  life. 

The  organs  essential  to  vegetables,  are  those  which  re- 
ceive and  elaborate  the  nutritive  fluids  which  they  require  ; 
those  which  are  subservient  to  re-production,  or  perfecting 
the  seeds,  and  those  composing  the  general  frame-work,  6r 
mechanical  portion  of  the  Plant,  by  which  the  finer  organi- 
zations are  supported. 

As  Plants  are  destined  to  be  permanently  fixed  in  their  pla- 
ces of  growth,  and  yet  require  the  action  both  of  air  and 
light,  for  their  perfection,  and  as  their  tender  organs  must  also 
be  defended  from  the  action  of  the  elements,  so  we  find  these 
several  objects  provided  for,  by  three  descriptions  of  parts, 
all  answering  different  purposes,  and  yet  all  combined  in  the 
same  individuals. 

These  parts  are  first,  the  Roots  by  which  the  Plants  are 
fixed  in  their  places  of  growth  ;  second,  the  Stems,  which 
support,  and  elevate  the  limbs  and  leaves  at  the  proper  height 
from  the  ground,  and  third,  the  Bark  or  external  covering 
which  protects  the  internal  parts,  and  answers  to  the  skin  of 
animals. 

Solid  and  Fluid  parts. — All  Plants,  however  different  in 
their  forms  or  sizes,  are  composed  of  fluid  and  solid  parts. 
The  solid  parts  are  supposed  to  be  permanent,  the  organs 
which  they  constitute,  when  once  perfected,  being  not  sub- 
let to  the  changes  by  waste  and  repair,  which  animal  solids 
undergo  during  life.  But  the  fluids  of  Plants  are  changea- 


VEGETABLE  PHYSIOLOGY.  25J 

bie,  varying  with  the  seasons,  both  in  mechanical  mixture, 
and  chemical  composition. 

Membrane,  and  Fibre. — The  solid  parts  of  Plants  are  com- 
posed of  vegetable  Membrane,  and  vegetable  Fibre. — Of  these 
are  formed  the  common  organic  structures,  the  Cellular,  and 
Vascular  tissues,  organizations  which  will  be  explained  here- 
after. 

Vegetable  Membrane.  This  is  a  thin,  transparent,  colorless 
film,  composed  of  minute  organic  fibres,  arranged  parallel  to 
each  other,  and  united  by  a  glutinous  substance.  In  its  sim- 
plest state,  it  forms  the  sides  of  the  cells  of  Plants,  but  when 
more  condensed,  it  composes  the  sap  vessels,  and  the  general 
covering,  or  outer  skin  of  vegetables. 

Vegetable  Fibre.  This  is  most  evident  in  the  spiral  ves- 
sels of  Plants,  which,  as  we  shall  see  directly,  are  composed 
of  one  or  more  threads,  twisted  spirally,  so  as  to  form  a  cy 
lindrical  tube. 

Cellulur  Tissue.  The  interior  of  all  Plants,  when  exam 
ined  with  a  microscope,  appears  composed  of  minute  cells, 
which  are  lined  with  the  membrane  above  described.  The 
best  method  of  examining  this  structure  is  to  put  a  thin  trans- 
verse slice  of  a  stem  in  a  drop  of  water,  and  place  it  under 
the  magnifier. 

The  simplest  form  of  these  cells  is  globu-  Fig.  221 

lar,  as  represented  by  Fig.  221,  which  is 
a  transverse  section  of  the  stem  of  Nastur- 
tion,  (Tropoeolum  majus,)  highly  magnified. 
The  sizes  of  these  cells  differ  greatly  in 
different  Plants,  and  in  different  parts  of  the 
same  Plant.  Kieser  states  that  the  diame- 
ter of  each  individual  cell  varies  from  the 
55th  to  the  330th  part  of  an  inch  ;  so  that 
from  3000  to  100,000  cells  would  be  con- 
tained within  the  space  of  a  square  inch  of.  surface. 

In  their  original  state,  or  in  the  young  Plant,  these  vesi 
cles,  as  above  stated,  are  of  a  globular  form  ;  but  they  are 
soon  transformed  into  other  shapes,  either  by  the  mutual  com- 
pression which  they  sustain  by  being  crowded  into  a  limited 
space,  by  the  growth  of  the  Plant,  or  from  unequal  expansion 
in  the  progress  of  their  own  development. 

From  the  first  of  these  causes  they  assume  the  form  ot 
hexahedral  or  six-sided  figures,  or  double  six-sided  pyramids 


252 


VEGETABLE 


witli  their  summits  truncated,  or  cut  off,  Fis-  222 
as  lepresented  by  Fig.  222.  In  some 
instances,  these  figures  are  not  elonga- 
ted, as  here  represented,  but  the  sides 
ajo  equal,  forming  when  cut  across,  the 
appearance  of  a  net-work  like  the  cells 
of  a  honey-comb. 

In  some  plants,  when  the  stem  is  di- 
vided longitudinally,  these  cells  appear 
in  the  form  of  elongated  tubes,  or  cylinders,  as  represented 
by  Fig.  223. 

It  has  been  disputed  whether  the  cells  of  vegetables  are 
closed  on  all  sides,  or  whether  they  communicate  with  each 
other.  Mirbel  has  given  delineations  of  what  appeared  to 
him  to  be  pores  and  fissures,  communicating  between  the 
cells.  But  subsequent  observations  have  rendered  it  most 
probable  that  these  appearances  arise  merely  from  darker  por- 
tions of  the  membranes,  where  opaque  particles  have  been 
deposited  in  their  substance  ;  and  it  is  now  understood  that 
fluids  gain  access  to  these  cells  by  transuding  through  the 
membranes  which  form  their  sides,  and  not  by  apertures 
capable  of  being  detected  by  the  highest  powers  of  the  mi- 
croscope. 

If  the  cells  of  vegetables  consist  of  separate  vesicles,  as 
the  concurring  observations  of  modern  Botanists,  (Kieser, 
Link,  Amici,  Dutrochet,  and  Decandolle,)  appear  satisfactorily 
to  have  shown,  then  the  partitions  which  separate  them,  how- 
ever thin,  must  consist  of  a  double  membrane,  formed  by  the 
adhesion  of  the  two  coats  of  the  two  contiguous  vesicles. 
But  as  these  coats  can  hardly  be  supposed  to  adhere  at  every 
point,  it  is  most  probable,  it  will  hereafter  be  found,  that  spa- 
ces have  been  left,  in  various  parts  between  them,  and  that 
communications  exist  to  a  certain  extent  between  all  these 
spaces,  so  as  to  compose  what  may  be  regarded  as  one  con- 
tinuous cavity.  These  are  termed  the  intercellular  spaces ; 
and  they  have  been  supposed  to  perform  an  important  part  in 
the  function  of  nutrition. 

Fluids  of  different  kinds,  occupy  both  the  cells,  and  the  in- 
tercellular spaces.  The  contents  of  some,  is  the  simple 
watery  sap,  and  that  of  others,  the  products  of  vegetable  se- 
cretion ;  in  many  instances  they  contain  air  only. 

In  the  cells  of  some  vegetables,  there  are  found  small, 
opaque,  and  detached  particles  of  the  substance  termed 
Fccula,  by  chemists,  and  which,  when  separated,  form 


PHYSIOLOGY.  253 

starch.  In  several  parts  of  the  Plant,  but  more  especially 
in  the  leaves,  and  flowers,  there  resides  the  substance  which 
gives  them  their  peculiar  colors.  This  is  in  the  form  of 
minute  globules,  and  has  been  named  by  Decandolle, 
Chromule. 

The  cells  of  the  ligneous,  or  woody  portion  of  trees  and 
shrubs,  are  incrusted  with  particles  of  a  more  dense  mate- 
rial, peculiar  to  vegetable  organization  and  termed  lignin. 
It  is  this  substance  which  principally  contributes  to  the 
density,  and  mechanical  strength  of  what  are  called  woody 
fibres.  This  part  consists  of  collections  of  fusiform,  or  ta- 
pering vessels,  hereafter  to  be  described,  and  which  interlace 
each  other,  so  as  to  form  cohering  bundles,  which  resist  me- 
chanical forces  much  more  effectually  than  they  would  do,  if 
they  were  laid  in  a  longitudinal  direction  with  respect  to 
each  other. 

CELLULAR  PLANTS. — The  cellular  structure  above  de- 
scribed, is  confined  chiefly,  but  not  entirely,  to  the  Crypto- 
gamous,  and  Monocotyledonous  class  of  Plants.  These 
Plants,  as  we  have  shown,  when  treating  of  "  Natural  Bota- 
ny," increase  by  the  accumulation  of  matter  in  their  inte- 
rior parts,  and  are  called  Endogenous  Plants.  This  struc- 
ture is  apparent,  even  to  the  naked  eye,  in  the  Indian  Corn, 
Lily,  Iris,  and  many  other  similar  Plants,  the  stalks  ot 
which  being  cut  lengthwise  show  the  cells,  or  the  cellular 
tissue. 

The  cellular  structure  is  the  most  obvious  physiological 
character  of  the  Acotyledonous,  or  Cryptogamous  class  of 
vegetables. 

The  Monocotyledonous  species,  are  the  first  remove  from 
the  Acotyledonous,  and  hold  an  intermediate  rank  between 
them  and  the  Dicotyledonous  Plants,  in  which  vegetation 
acquires  its  highest  form  of  development. 

In  the  Cryptogamia,  or  Cellulares,  the  plants  are  formed 
entirely  of  the  cellular  tissue,  as  shown  by  Fig.  222,  without 
woody  fibre,  or  spiral  vessels.  Fig.  224  rep-  Fi«-  224- 

resents  a  transverse  section  of  a  stem  belong- 
ing to  this  division.  It  is  composed  of  cells 
and  membranes  alone.  Examples  of  this 
structure  are  presented  by  the  Mushrooms 
and  Sea-weeds. 

COTYLEDONOUS,     OR     VASCULAR      PLANTS. By     Vascular 

Plants,  is  meant  those  containing  spiral  vessels,  as  a  part  of 
22 


254 


VEGETABLE 


their  structure,  and  by  Cotyledonous,  such  as  produce  seeds 
with  Cotyledons,  whether  one,  or  more.  The  Cryptoga- 
mia  contain  neither,  their  structure  being  cellular,  and  their 
seeds  without  Cotyledons. 

The  Cotyledonous  vegetables,  as  a  grand  division,  and  by 
which  they  are  separated  from  the  Cryptogamia,  are  formed 
with  cellular  tissue,  spiral  vessels,  and  woody  fibre ;  and  their 
seeds  are  composed  of  one  or  more  cotyledons.  Fig.  225 
represents  a  vertical  section  of  a  Cotyledonous  stem,  in 

Fig.  225. 


which  are  included  the  cellular  tissue  a  ;  the  spiral  vessels 
5,  and  the  woody  fibre  c.  The  leaves  of  this  division  are 
traversed  by  veins,  which  either  run  parallel,  or  are  reticu- 
lated. The  flowers  are  also  perfect,  that  is,  they  contain 
stamens  and  pistils,  either  on  the  same,  or  on  separate  plants, 
which  will  prevent  their  being  confounded  with  the  Cellu- 
lares,  or  Cryptogamia,  which  contain  no  visible  flowers. 

THE  VASCULAR,  COTYLEDONOUS,  OR  PH^ENOGAMOUS 
PLANTS,  are  separated  into  two  great  classes,  called,  (as  we 
have  already  shown,)  Endogenes,  or  Monocotyledonous, 
and  Exogenes,  or  Dicotyledonous.  These  are  distinguished 
from  each  other  by  obvious  physical  properties,  both  with 
respect  to  organic  stiucture,  the  appearance  of  the  leaves, 
and  the  peculiarities  of  the  seed. 

MONOCOTYLEDONOUS     PLANTS.      This    class,  we    have 
seen,  stands  between  the  Cryptogamia,  and   Dicotyledonia 
With  respect  to  internal  structure,  they  contain   both  cellu 
lar,  and  spiral  vessels.     Their  seeds  have  only  a   single  co- 
tyledon, and  their  leaves  are  not  reticulated,  as    represented 


PHYSIOLOGY.  255 

by  Fig.  225,  0,  but  the  veins  are  parallel,  as  shown  by  Fig 
225,  p. 

In  some  few  instances,  the  seeds  of  this  class  have  two 
cotyledons,  in  which  case  they  always  alternate  with  each 
other,  while  in  all  Dicotyledonous  seeds,  the  lobes  are  op- 
posite to  each  other. 

Fig.  226. 


Fig.  226,  represents  the  peculiarities  of  Monocotylodonous 
vegetables. 

q.  A  transverse  section  of  a  Monocotyledonous  stem, 
shows  that  there  are  no  medullary  rays  in  the  wood  of  this 
class,  nor  concentric  layers. 

r.  Germination  of  a  Monocotyledonous  seed. 

s.  A  section  of  r,  showing  the  cotyledon  in  the  interioi 
of  the  seed  ;  also  the  ascending  stem,  and  the  descending 
root. 

t.  Section  of  a  germinating  embryo  of  a  grass  seed,  show- 
ing the  two  alternate  cotyledons  a,  b,  between  which  is  the 
plumula,  or  incipient  stem. 

u.  The  stem  and  leaves  of  a  Monocotyledonous  Plant ; 
the  leaves  showing  the  characteristic  parallel  veins. 

Plants  belonging  to  this  class  may  instantly  be  known,  by 
»  mere  inspection  of  the  leaf,  as  Indian  corn,  the  Lily,  and 
Grasses,  in  all  of  which  the  veins  run  parallel,  or  are  not 
reticulated. 

The  wood  and  cellular  tissue,  in  Monocotyledonous  plants, 
are  mixed  together,  without  any  distinct  annual  layers,  and 
the  transverse  sections  of  their  stems  present  no  radiating 
medulla  from  the  centre  to  the  circumference.  The  leaves  of 


9-56 


VEGETABLE 


this  class  present  no  articulations  with  the  stems,  nor  do  they 
fall  off,  leaving  a  scar,  as  in  the  Dicotyledoncs.  Indian 
corn,  and  the  Grasses  are  familiar  examples,  the  leaves  being 
permanently  fixed  to  the  stalk.  The  Palm  trees  all  belong 
to  this  class. 

DICOTYLEDONOUS  PLANTS.  Although  the  name  of  this 
class  means  "  two  cotyledons,"  still  there  are  several  spe- 
cies of  plants  which  have  four,  and  a  few  which  have  many 
seed-lobes,  as  in  the  case  of  the  Pines.  So  far  as  this  part 
is  concerned,  therefore,  this  division  of  the  vegetable  king- 
dom is  characterized  by  two  or  more  cotyledons,  situated 
opposite  to  each  other. 

This  division  is  further  distinguished  from  the  Monoco- 
tyledones  by  the  growth  and  appearance  of  the  bark,  which 
in  the  latter  is  blended  with  the  wood,  while  in  the  Dicoty- 
ledones,  these  parts  are  separate,  and  of  different  vegetable 
tissues.  The  wood  of  this  division  consists  of  concentric 
layers,  one  of  which  is  annually  produced,  the  whole  being 
penetrated  by  medullary  rays,  extending  from  the  pith  to 
the  bark. 

Fig.  227. 


Fig.  227,  represents  the  distinguishing  Physiological 
traits  of  Dicotyledonous  vegetables. 

v.  A  transverse  section  of  a  Dicotyledonous  stem,  show- 
ing the  concentric,  annual  layers  of  the  wood,  and  the  me- 
dullary rays.  On  comparing  this  with  <?,  Fig.  225,  the 
difference  in  the  woody  structure  of  the  two  classes  will  be 
seen. 

to.  A  Dicotyledonous  seed,  just  beginning  to  germinate. 

x.  An  embryo  with  four  cotyledons 


PHYSIOLOGY  257 

y.  An  embryo  with  many  cotyledons,  as  in  the  Pines, 

z.  Stem  and  leaves  of  a  Dicotyledonous  Plant,  showing 
the  reticulated  structure  of  the  leaves,  and  the  manner  in 
which  they  are  articulated  with  the  stem.  On  comparing 
this  stem  and  leaves  with  the  corresponding  parts  of  a  Mono- 
cotyledonous  plant,  Fig.  226,  u,  the  difference  between  them 
will  be  apparent. 

Such  are  the  very  obvious  distinctions  between  the  two 
great  classes  of  Phaenogamous,  or  flowering  Plants ;  and  so 
far  is  it  from  being  necessary  to  examine  the  seeds  in  order 
to  determine  to  which  class  any  given  plant  belongs,  it  is 
only  required  to  look  at  a  leaf,  or  even  a  fragment  of  a  leaf, 
or  a  little  piece  of  the  stem,  in  order  to  know  in  an  instant, 
whether  the  seed  has  one  or  more  cotyledons.  So  invariable 
are  nature's  laws,  that  the  parallel,  or  reticulated  veins  of  a 
leaf,  show  us  the  monocotyledon,  and  dicotyledon,  respective- 
ly, with  the  same  certainty  as  though  we  dissected  the  seeds 
themselves. 

Contents  of  the  cells  in  the  cellular  structure. — In  some 
plants,  or  in  some  parts  of  the  same  plant,  the  cells  contain 
air,  while  in  other  plants,  or  in  different  portions  of  the  same, 
they  contain,  or  transmit  various  fluids. 

In  aquatic  plants,  the  cells  of  the  parenchyma  inclose 
bundles  of  sap  vessels,  while  those  which  answer  to  the  pith 
of  other  plants,  contain  air  only ;  and  in  shrubs  and  trees, 
although  the  cells  of  the  pith  contain  an  aqueous  fluid,  in 
the  young  state  of  the  twig,  yet  they  contain  only  air  at  a 
later  period,  when  the  twig  becomes  firm  wood. 

The  cellular  tissue  is  found  in  some  part  of  nearly  every 
vegetable.  Those  of  the  lower  orders,  as  the  Mushrooms, 
are  composed  entirely  of  these  cells,  while  they  enter  more 
sparingly  into  the  highest  orders  of  vegetable  organic  struc- 
tures, as  the  trees,  and  all  phaenogamous  plants. 

This  tissue,  besides,  in  different  plants,  containing  fluids 
and  air,  is  the  repository  of  mealy,  resinous,  sugary,  oily, 
acid,  and  saline  secretions.  It  is  the  medium,  also,  by  which 
the  elaborated  sap  is  diffused  sideways  through  the  plant, 
and  it  is  even  believed  by  some  naturalists,  that  the  func- 
tions of  secretion,  and  nutrition,  are  performed  in  these 
vessels.' 

The  influence  of  vitality  in  plants  is  beautifully  displayed 

by  this  structure.     The  cells  of  the  living  plant,  swollen  by 

the  fluids  they  hold,  retain  their  figure,  during  life,  and  by 

processes  which  we  cannot  explain,  or  detect,  change  theso 

22* 


258  VEGETABLE. 

fluids  into  others  of  the  most  opposite  qualities,  the  delicate 
membranes  of  which  they  are  composed,  constituting  a  suf- 
ficient barrier  to  prevent  their  mingling  with  each  other. 
But  as  soon  as  life  is  extinct,  the  sides  of  the  cells  yield  , 
the  secretions  mingle,  and  decomposition  succeeds,  during 
which,  the  chemical  affinities,  which  had  been  controlled  by 
vital  action,  produce  disorganization,  and  decay. 

Spiral  Vessels  of  Plarits. — We  have  seen,  that  in  the  lower 
orders  of  vegetables,  the  interior  structure  is  composed 
chiefly  or  entirely  of  cells,  or  small  compartments,  separated 
by  membranes.  In  phaenogamous  plants,  although  cells  are 
still  found,  the  chief  organic  structure  consists  of  continuous 
vessels  made  up  of  threads,  wound  in  the  form  of  a  screw, 
and  hence  they  are  called  spiral  organs. 

Conducting  and  Returning  vessels. — In  describing  the 
structure  of  plants,  it  will  be  convenient  to  arrange  their 
vessels,  according  to  their  functions,  or  as  Conducting  and 
Returning  organs. 

If  the  branch  of  a  vine,  or  any  other  tree,  be  cut  trans- 
versely in  the  early  spring,  the  sap  may  be  observed  to  trans- 
ude, from  numerous  points,  over  the  whole  cut  surface,  except 
at  those  parts  occupied  by  the  pith  and  bark ;  and  if  a  twig 
on  which  the  leaves  are  just  beginning  to  unfold,  be  cut  from 
a  tree,  and  placed  with  its  lower  end  in  a  watery  solution  of 
some  coloring  matter,  as  that  of  the  Brazil  wood,  the  colored 
fluid  will  ascend  to  the  top  of  the  twig,  and  into  the  leaves. 
In  both  these  cases,  an  examination  with  a  powerful  micro- 
scope will  demonstrate  that  the  sap,  and  colored  water,  rise 
through  organic  tubes,  and  which  must  therefore  be  in  conse- 
quence of  the  action  of  the  living  vegetable.  These  are 
the  conducting  vessels  of  the  plant,  which  carry  the  sap 
upwards. 

But  if  we  examine  the  transverse  section  of  another  twig 
of  the  same  plant,  at  a  later  period  of  the  season,  we  shall 
find  that  the  wood,  which  before  became  moist  on  the  cut 
surface,  remains  dry  there,  whilst  the  bark  next  to  the  wood 
is  full  of  fluid,  which  instantly  begins  to  exude.  The  vessels 
from  which  the  sap  now  comes,  are  a  different  series  from 
those  by  which  it  was  conducted  upwards,  and  are  termed 
returning  vessels,  from  their  function  of  carrying  the  sap 
downwards,  after  its  elaboration  in  the  leaves. 

The  general  figure  of  both  the  Conducting  and  the  Re- 
turning vessels  is  cylindrical.  They  are  so  minute  as  to 
be  hardly  visible  to  the  naked  eye.  In  a  piece  of  oak,  of 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


259 


Fig.    228. 


about  the  nineteenth  of  an  inch  square,  Lewenhoeck,  with  his 
powerful  microscope,  saw  20,000  of  these  vessels. 

CONDUCTING  VESSELS. — It  was  formerly  supposed  that  ali 
the  vessels  which  Cotyledonous  vegetables  contain  were 
modifications  of  the  spiral  form  ;  but  more  recent  discoveries 
have  shown  that  there  exists  another  kind,  which  are  com- 
posed of  rings,  and  which  cannot  be  a  transformation  of  the 
spiral  form.  These  are  called  annular,  or  ring-shaped  vessels. 

There  are,  therefore,  two  primary  forms  of  organic  vege- 
table tissue,  the  spiral  arid  the  annular,  and  of  which  we  shall 
see  that  all  the  other  forms  are  modifications,  or  varieties. 

Simple  Spiral. — If  the  petiole  of  a  Dog- wood,  or  Elder- 
leaf,  be  carefully  broken,  and  the  parts  drawn  asunder,  the 
spiral  vessels  may  be  seen  with  the  naked  eye,  having  the 
appearance  of  threads  ;  but  which  on  closer  examination,  will 
be  found  to  consist  of  one  or  more  fine 
silvery  fibres  turned  from  right  to  left,  in 
the  form  of  screws,  so  as  to  make  hollow 
cylinders.  Sometimes  the  spirals  are 
formed  of  a  single  thread,  as  represented 
at  a,  Fig.  228,  while  at  others,  or  in  other 
plants,  they  consist  of  several  parallel 
fibres,  forming  a  ribbon,  the  edges  of  which 
are  wound  in  contact  with  each  other,  as 
shown  at  b,  in  Fig.  228. 

These  fibres  are  tenacious  and  elastic, 
for  when  stretched  and  unrolled,  they  con- 
tract and  roll  themselves  up  again,  when 
the  force  is  withdrawn. 

All  the  higher  orders  of  vegetables  contain  these  vessels, 
and  in  which  they  may  be  detected  in  the  earliest  stages  of 
growth.  They  run  through  the  whole  length  of  the  plant, 
from  the  extremities  of  the  roots  to  the  leaves,  following  all 
the  various  curvatures  of  the  branches  to  the  smallest  parts. 

These  vessels  are  generally  disposed  in  fasciculi,  or  bun- 
dles, the  smaller  ones  of  the  group  being  always  found  next 
to  the  pith.  The  cells,  which  as  we  have  seen,  are  found 
with  the  spiral  vessels,  when  in  the  vicinity  of  these  bundles, 
are  very  small,  but  there  is  no  evident  communication  be- 
tween the  two  kinds  of  vessels. 

In  succulent  plants,  the  spiral  vessels  are  found  in  the 
cellular  pulp,  or  parenchyma.  In  woody  plants  they  always 


260 


VEGETABLE. 


Fls- 


surround  the  pith  of  the  young  shoot,  and  they  form  the  greater 
pan  of  the  midrib  of  the  leaves,  as  well  as  their  reticulations, 
usually  called  veins  or  nerves.  They  are  also  contained  in 
the  stamens,  and  pistils,  and  in  the  calyx,  and  cotyledons. 

Reticulated  Vessels.  —  These  are  a  modification  of  the  simple 
spiral  above  described,  and  differ  from  them  in  having  aper- 
tures, or  clefts  between  the  fibres,  which  give  the  whole  the 
appearance  of  net-work,  or  reticula,  and 
hence  the  name  reticulated. 

This  appearance  is  represented  by  Fig. 
229,  in  which  b  shows  the  clefts  in  the 
spiral,  and  «,  a  piece  of  the  same,  more 
highly  magnified. 

Reticulated  vessels  are  not  found  in 
young  plants,  being  the  result  of  a  change 
produced  by  its  growth.  They  have  been 
discovered  in  only  a  few  plants,  but  in 
some,  as  the  Balsam  (Impatiens  balsamina,) 
at  its  full  growth,  they  are  the  only  kind 
of  vessels  contained  in  the  root  ;  and  in 
this  part  they  occur  most  frequently  in 
other  plants. 

Annular  Vessels.  —  The  annular  vessels  consist  of  fine  mem- 
branous tubes  distended  by  rings  of  vegetable  fibre,  instead  of 
one  continuous  tube  formed  by  the  winding  of  the  fibres,  as 
in  the  spiral  vessels.  According  to  some  observers,  these 
vessels  are  accidental  productions,  caused  by  the  tearing  of 
the  spirals,  which  are  thus  made  to  fail  into  simple  rings,  be- 
tween which  a  membrane  is  formed. 

The  appearance  of  this  vessel  is  represented  by 
Fig  230.  The  rings  are  generally  separated  from 
each  other,  by  a  space  equal  to  their  own  diameters  ; 
but  they  are  sometimes  separated  to  the  distance  of 
six,  or  eight  diameters,  as  seen  in  the  margin  of  the 
figure.  The  rings  are  retained  in  their  places,  by 
minute  needles,  which  can  be  separated  from  their 
vessels  in  the  Spider-  wort,  (Trades  cantia,)  and  some 
other  plants.  These  vessels  are  too  minute  to  be 
traced  by  the  naked  eye,  being  here  represented 
several  hundred  times  magnified. 

Punctuated  Vessels.  —  These  derive  their  origin  both  from 
the  simple  spiral,  arid  the  annular  vessel.  The  name  punctu- 


Fig. 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


261 


arises  from  the  appearance  of  dots  which 
present. 

Fig.  231  represents  the  modification  of 
the  spiral,  into  the  punctuated  vessel.  The 
dots  are  exceedingly  minute,  but  greatly 
magnified  in  the  figure.  They  surround 
the  vessel  in  parallel  rows,  the  fibres  of  the 
spiral  being  separated,  and  the  intervening 
space  continued  by  a  fine  connecting  mem- 
brane. This  membrane  is  not  present  in 
the  young  plant,  and  does  not  form  until 
the  leaves  are  of  full  size.  In  the  young 
plant  it  is  transparent,  but  becomes  opaque 
by  age.  It  is  the  largest  in  respect  to  di- 
ameter of  any  of  the  vegetable  vessels. 

Beaded  Vessel — This  is  a  modification  of  the  punctuated, 
and  reticulated  vessels.  It  resembles  a  chnin  of  oblong  ovate 
cells,  or  beads,  whence  its  name.  Moniliform,  by  which 
name  it  is  sometimes  called,  means  "  like  a  necklace." 

Fig.   232,  shows  the   form  of  this  vessel.     It  is     F'£-  232- 
found  only  in  the  knots  of  the  stem, "and  the  tuber- 
cles of  the  roots,  and  seems  to  be  designed  for  the 
union  of  the  other  vessels,  with  each  other. 

Sometimes  two  or  more  modifications  of  structure 
are  seen  at  the  same  time,  and  in  the  same  tube. 
This  arises  from  the  natural  tendency  of  the  simple 
spiral  to  change  into  the  punctuated  vessel,  and  both 
this,  and  the  reticulated,  to  change  into  the  beaded 
vessel.  If  the  stem  of  a  Gourd  be  examined  at  different 
periods  of  its  growth,  or  in  different  parts  of  the  plant 
at  the  same  time,  between  the  root  and  the  top  of  the  stem, 
it  will  be  found,  that  in  the  young  plant,  or  the  newly  unfolded 
extremities  of  the  old  one,  the  vessels  are  all  simple  spirals. 
As  the  plant  advances  in  age,  each  of  those  already  formed 
become  punctuated  vessels,  while  new  spirals  are  forming  in 
the  growing  parts ;  and  this  transformation  of  spiral  into 
punctuated  vessels,  proceeds  until  all  the  vessels  in  the  older 
parts  of  the  stem,  that  are  near  the  root,  become  punctuated. 

RETURNING  VESSELS. — It  has  already  been  stated,  that 
as  soon  as  the  leaves  begin  to  appear,  the  sap  ceases  to  flow 
through  the  wood.  The  bark  at  this  time  is  full  of  fluid, 
which  is  descending  towards  the  root.  The  vessels  through 


262 


VEGETABLE 


which  it  passes  are  situated  near  the  inner  surface  of  the 
bark.  They  differ  widely  in  their  construction,  from  those 
by  which  the  sap  is  elevated,  being  in  the  form  of  straight 
parallel  bundles,  running  close  to  the  wood.  It  would  appear, 
therefore,  that  the  spiral  form  of  the  interior  vessels,  consti- 
tutes a  portion  of  the  agency  by  which  the  sap  is  elevated ; 
this  complicated  tissue  being  unnecessary  in  those  by  which 
the  fluid  descends. 

A  new  layer  of  these  vessels  is  formed  every  year  between 
the  bark  and  the  wood,  the  former  layers  being  pushed  out- 
ward, by  the  additional  woody  matter,  or  by  the  growth  of 


Fig.  233 


the  tree.  In  consequence  of 
this  mechanical  force,  the  paral- 
lel vessels  separate  from  each 
other,  at  a  little  distance  from 
the  wood,  and  form  a  mass  of 
net-work,  the  meshes  of  which 
are  afterwards  filled  with  cel- 
lular matter.  This  mechanism 
is  readily  seen  by  tearing  a 
piece  of  bark  longitudinally. 

Fig.  233  represents  the  dif- 
ferent states  of  the  returning  ves- 
sels, a,  being  a  simple  tube,  b,  a  bundle  of  the  same,  and  c, 
these  vessels  divided  by  the  expansion  of  the  bark,  the  spaces 
between  the  fibres  of  the  bark  being  filled  up  with  cellulai 
matter 


BARK,    WOOD    AND    PITH. 


The  Bark,  (cortex,)  comprehends  four  distinct  layers,  or 
parts,  namely,  the  Epidermis,  or  external  covering ;  the  Cu~ 
tis,  or  inner  covering  ;  the  Cellular  Integument,  or  true  bark, 
and  the  Liber,  or  inner  bark. 

Epidermis. — In  young  and  annual  plants,  this  is  a  thin 
membrane  or  pellicle,  which  extends  ovtff  the  whole  external 
surface,  from  the  fibrils  of  the  roots  to  the  leaves,  and  deli- 
cate petals  of  the  flower,  and  even  to  the  fruit.  Its  use  is 
to  guard  the  living  parts  of  the  plant  from  external  inju- 
ries. 

In  some  parts,  and  especially  where  it  covers  the  leaves, 
this  membrane  is  furnished  with  minute  vessels,  which  are 
spread  over  it  like  a  net-work,  the  form  of  the  mealies  dif 


PHYSIOLOGY.  263 

teivdg  m  different  plants,  but  all  terminating  in  spiral  vessels 
on  t,nc  cage  of  the  leaf. 

lii  heiuaeeous  plants,  and  in  young  twigs,  the  epidermis  is 
transparent,  receiving  its  apparent  color  from  that  of  the  cel- 
lular integument,  which  it  covers.  In  old  trees  it  appears  to 
be  colored,  sometimes  differently  in  the  same  plant.  Thus  in 
the  White  Buch,  it  is  white  on  the  trunk,  arid  brown  on  the 
limbs. 

When  this  covering  is  destroyed  on  the  succulent  twigs  of 
perennial  plants,  it  is  soon  renewed,  but  on  the  leaf  and 
flower,  and  in  annual  plants,  it  is  not  reproduced.  Mirbel 
considers  the  epidermis  merely  as  condensed  cellular  mem- 
brane, altered  by  exposure  to  air  and  light,  but  most  other 
vegetable  physiologists  consider  it  as  a  distinct  organized 
membrane. 

Cutis. — This  is  composed  of  the  epidermis,  above  described, 
and  a  composition  of  transverse  cells,  which  lie  between  it 
and  the  cellular  integuments.  These  two  layers  are  usually 
described  as  a  single  integument,  or  membrane,  and  though 
they  may  be  separated  in  many  plants,  they  appear  to  be  de- 
signed for  the  same  purpose.  The  Cuticle,  or  Epidermis  in 
plants,  answers  to  the  exteinal  membrane  of  the  same  name, 
which  covers  the  entire  sunace  of  animals.  In  man  it  is  a 
delicate,  insensible  covering,  designed  to  protect  the  nerves 
and  blood  vessels  of  the  true  skin,  from  injury.  It  is  that 
portion  of  the  skin  which  is  raised,  and  separated  in  the  pro- 
cess of  drawing  a  blister.  See  Physiology,  2d  Ed.  p.  201. 

Cellular  Integuments. — This  portion  of  the  bark  is  situated 
immediately  under  the  Cutis,  and  ib  composed  of  oblong  hex- 
agonal cells,  ranging  vertically,  and  varying  in  regularity  in 
different  plants.  These  cells  are  usually  filled  with  fluids, 
which  become  green  by  the  action  of  light.  The  color  of  the 
plant,  therefore,  depends  on  this  part,  and  is  transmitted 
through  the  transparent  Cuticle,  or  Epidermis.  In  herbace- 
ous plants,  growing  in  the  dark,  this  part  is  white,  and  is  often 
seen  in  the  Cabbage,  and  Potato,  which  happen  to  remain  in 
the  cellar,  until  the  commencement  of  the  hot  season.  On 
exposure  of  such  plants  to  the  sun,  they  soon  become  green, 
in  consequence  of  the  production  of  carbon,  by  the  action  of 
the  vessels  of  this  integument.  Before  such  exposure,  these 
plants  contained  no  carbon  ;  but  by  the  stimulus  of  the  light, 
the  vessels  of  this  part  absorb  carbonic  acid,  retain  the  car- 


264  VEGETABLE 

bon  to  form  woody  matter,  and  return  the  oxygen,  by  a  pro 
cess  to  be  described  hereafter. 

Liber. — This  is  the  inner  portion  of  the  bark,  next  to  the 
wood.  It  is  generally  white,  and  of  a  fibrous  texture,  when 
examined  by  the  naked  eye  ;  but  when  seen  through  the  mi- 
croscope, it  is  found  to  consist  of  bundles  of  fibres  running 
in  a  waving  direction,  and  touching  each  other  only  at 
certain  points,  and  forming  oblong  meshes  which  are  filled 
with  cellular  tissue.  Their  structure  is  represented  by  c, 
Fig.  233. 

These  longitudinal  fibres  are  returning  vessels,  situated  be- 
tween the  cellular  integument  above  described,  and  the  wood, 
and  are  divided  into  meshes  by  the  medullary  rays,  which 
extend  from  the  pith,  through  the  wood  into  the  bark,  and 
then  push  between  these  bundles  of  vessels,  to  reach  the  cel- 
lular integument. 

It  is  this  portion  of  the  bark  of  certain  trees  which  was 
anciently  used  to  write  upon,  and  hence  the  name  Liber,  which 
signifies  "  book."  At  the  present  day,  the  natives  of  the 
South  Sea  Islands  beat  this  substance  into  sheets,  of  which 
they  make  clothing.  The  liber  of  the  Lace-bark  tree,  (Daphne 
lagetlo,)  after  being  macerated  in  water,  and  beaten,  forms  a 
beautiful  gauze,  which  might  be  worn  as  a  becoming  article 
of  dress. 

The  bark  of  the  Oak,  Chestnut,  and  many  other  trees,  after 
long  exposure  to  the  weather,  presents  a  reticulated  appear- 
ance, caused  by  the  waving  directions  of  the  vessels  above 
described. 

The  inner  bark  is  renewed  every  year,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  the  old  layers  are  pushed  outwards,  and  in 
most  trees,  as  in  the  Oak,  Chestnut,  and  Elm,  cracked  into 
longitudinal  fissures.  In  some  old  trees,  the  bark  thus  be- 
comes several  inches  in  thickness,  with  wide  and  deep  fis- 
sures, which  still  retain  more  or  less  of  their  reticulated  struc- 
ture. In  some  trees,  as  the  Plane,  usually  called  the  Button- 
bail  tree,  the  old  bark  splits  in  various  directions,  by  the 
force  of  the  growing  wood,  and  is  thrown  ofF  every  year. 
In  the  Birch,  the  layers  separate  transversely,  and  being 
tenacious,  the  old  bark  year  after  year  hangs  suspended  to 
the  body  of  the  tree,  giving  it  that  well  known  ragged  ap- 
pearance. 

Du  Hamel  demonstrated  the  fact,  that  trees  renew  their 
bark  annually,  by  passing  a  silver  wire  through  the  young 


PHYS:OLOGY.  265 

bark,  down  to  the  wood,  and  finding  it  several  years  after- 
wards in  the  decayed  bark. 

THE     WOOD. 

If  any  portion  of  most  trees  be  sawn  transversely,  several 
cylinders  of  wood  may  be  seen  enclosing  each  other,  or  form- 
ing concentric  layers  around  the  pith,  and  occupying  the 
space  between  it  and  the  bark.  The  layer  which  encloses  all 
the  others,  and  is  in  contact  with  the  bark,  is  of  a  lighter  co- 
lor ;  is  more  succulent,  arid  less  durable  than  those  within  it. 
This  portion  of  the  wood  is  called  Alburnum,  or  white  wood, 
and  it  is  in  this  that  the  vitality  of  some  old  trees  chiefly  re- 
sides, the  interior  being  decayed  and  wasted  away. 

The  heart  wood,  as  it  is  termed,  is  in  most  trees  of  a  darker 
color  than  the  alburnum,  or  sap  wood,  and  is  also  of  a  firmer 
consistence,  arid  as  we  have  already  said,  is  not  so  liable  to 
decay  by  exposure. 

The  Concentric  layers  are  found  only  in  Dicotyledonous 
trees,  as  we  have  already  explained.  The  vessels  in  each 
layer  are  always  largest  in  that  part  of  it  which  is  nearest  the 
centre  of  the  stem,  owing  to  their  being  formed  in  the  spring 
of  the  year,when  vegetation  is  most  active,  and  the  pores  are 
distended  with  their  appropriate  fluids.  The  situation  of 
these  large  pores  might,  in  some  cases,  lead  to  the  belief  that 
they  were  formed  between  the  annual  layers ;  but  on  close 
inspection  it  will  be  seen  that  they  gradually  diminish  in  size 
to  the  outer  margin  of  each  ring,  which  part  has  grown  du- 
ring the  autumn,  when  vegetation  was  ceasing,  and  therefore 
when  small  vessels  only  were  required  for  the  conveyance  of 
the  sap.  The  concentric  rings  are  very  apparent  to  the  na- 
ked eye  in  the  Oak  and  Chestnut,  but  in  some  woods,  as  the 
Andromeda,  and  Kalmia  latifolia,  they  are  seen  with  difficulty 
without  a  microscope. 

The  Medullary  rays  are  flattened  masses  of  woody  sub- 
stance, which  run  between  the  fibres  of  the  concentric  lay- 
ers. They  extend  from  the  pith  to  the  bark,  and  are  quite 
apparent  in  many  kinds  of  wood,  as  the  Beech  and  Oak.  on 
splitting  which,  they  often  present  a  shining  surface  on  the 
longitudinal  fibres  of  the  wood. 

The  Medullary  rays,  as  well  as  the  concentric  rings,  and  the 
23 


266 


VEGETABLE 


bark  and  pith,  are  shown  by  Fig.  234.  The  texture  of  these 
rays  is  cellular,  and  hence  they  were  once  regarded  as  pro- 
cu^-ses  of  the  pith,  and  were  named  accordingly,  the  pith 
being  considered  the  medulla,  or  marrow  of  the  plant.  But 

Fig.  234. 


that  this  is  an  error,  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  the  first  layer 
of  wood  next  the  pith  has  no  medullary  rays,  though  every 
subsequent  circle  is  crossed  by  them. 

The  Pith  is  composed  entirely  of  cellular  tissue,  the 
cells  of  which  are  at  first  filled  with  watery  fluid,  but  this 
is  gradually  exchanged  for  air,  becoming  dry,  except  near 
the  final  buds,  before  the  first  layer  of  wood  is  perfected. 

The  pith  is  usually  white,  but  in  some  plants  it  is  colored, 
being  yellow  in  the  Berberry,  pale  brown  in  the  Walnut, 
and  fawn-colored  in  the  Sumac. 

The  diameter  of  the  pith  in  many  herbaceous  plants,  and 
in  the  majority  of  trees,  continues  the  same  in  the  full  grown 
plant,  and  the  young  twig.  In  a  few  instances,  as  in  the 
Elder,  it  diminishes  with  the  age  of  the  plant,  being  largest 
in  the  young  shoot. 

THE    ROOT. 

In  general,  the  root  may  be  defined  as  that  part  of  the  plant 
by  which  it  is  fixed  to  the  soil.  But  there  are  several  excep- 


PHYSIOLOGY.  267 

tions  to  this  definition,  some  roots,  as  shown  at  the  commence- 
ment of  this  volume,  not  being  fixed  to  any  thing,  as  those 
of  Duck-meat,  (Lemna,)  which  float  in  the  water. 

For  the  forms  of  different  roots,  see  page  12 — 14.  The 
roots  of  trees  so  closely  resemble  the  stems  in  structure,  that 
some  have  called  them  descending  trunks,  and  subterranean 
branches.  The  structure  of  the  roots  of  trees  so  nearly  re- 
sembles that  of  their  stems,  that  a  description  of  their  ves- 
sels would  only  be  a  repetition  of  that  already  given  of  their 
stems  and  branches.  In  herbaceous  plants,  this  analogy  is 
not  so  close,  but  it  is  hardly  necessary  to  describe  the  differ- 
ence in  this  epitome  of  the  subject. 

The  roots  of  herbaceous  plants  are  generally  at  first  spin- 
dle shaped,  but  they  sometimes  become  forked,  in  which  case 
the  sap  vessels  of  the  caudex  are  divided  according  to  the 
number  of  forks,  in  the  same  manner  as  if  a  skein  of  thread 
was  divided  into  two  or  three  parcels.  When  any  thing  op- 
poses the  descent  of  a  fusiform  root  into  the  ground,  or  de- 
stroys a  portion  of  it,  these  branches  shoot  out  sideways  in 
search  of  nourishment. 

Rootlets,  (radicena,)  or  little  roots.  These  are  small  roots 
which  project  from  the  sides  of  the  larger  ones,  or  under  fa- 
vorable circumstances,  from  the  stem.  Thus  if  the  branch 
of  a  tree,  or  shrub,  be  bent  down  arid  covered  with  earth, 
rootlets  will  shoot  out  from  its  surface,  after  which  this  branch 
may  be  separated  from  the  parent  tree,  and  will  become  a  tree 
itself.  This  method  is  much  employed  by  gardeners,  and  is 
called  propagation  by  layers. 

Solid,  fusiform  roots,  as  the  parsnip,  are  covered  with  root- 
lets, by  means  of  which  the  plants  draw  their  nourishment 
from  the  earth. 

Fibrils. — These  are  the  ultimate  divisions  of  the  rootlets. 
They  consist  of  the  capillary,  or  hair-like  ramifications  of 
the  rootlets,  and  the  Spongelets,  or  Spongioles,  which  are 
seated  on  their  sides,  and  ends.  The  latter  are  oblong  bo- 
dies, of  a  spongy  texture,  very  minute,  and  are  found  only  on 
the  fibrils.  They  are  so  small  and  delicate,  that  after  a  few 
seconds  exposure  to  the  air,  on  taking  the  root  out  of  the 
ground,  they  shrivel  and  lie  so  close  to  the  fibril,  as  scarcely 
to  be  visible.  But  if  the  fibril  be  placed  in  water,  they  rap 
idly  expand  again,  and  project  from  its  sides. 

Fig.  235  represents  the  extremity  of  a  fibril  with  its  spon- 


20S 


VEGETABLE 


gioles,  greatly  magnified  ;  <z,  a,  the  spongioles  in  ^f-  23* 
the  shriveled  state,  lying  close  to  the  fibril ;  b.  b,  b, 
the  same  expanded,  and  projecting  from  the  fibril, 
after  it  is  placed  in  water,  showing  their  natural 
positions  in  the  earth.  Some  families  of  plants, 
instead  of  this  capillary  fibril,  are  furnished  with 
spongioles  on  the  rootlets  themselves. 

From  some  experiments  of  M.  Dutrochet,  it  ap- 
pears that  these  spongioles  are  the  organs  by  which 
the  plants  absorb  their  entire  nourishment  from  the 
earth,  and  that  they  imbibe  the  fluids  through  the  cuticle,  be- 
ing aided  in  the  process  by  electrical  influence. 

Cambium. — The  general  structure  of  the  wood,  bark,  and 
trith,  have  been  described,  and  we  have  seen  that  a  concentric 
circle  of  wood  is  every  year  added  to  the  diameter  of  grow- 
ing phaenogamous  plants,  and  also,  that  a  new  layer  of  bark 
is  annually  produced  on  the  inside  of  the  old,  and  by  which 
the  latter  is  forced  outwards  and  thickened.  The  functions 
of  the  plant  are  chiefly  carried  on  by  these  new  parts,  since 
the  interior  of  the  tree  may  be  entirely  wanting,  and  still  vig- 
orous new  limbs  are  every  year  produced. 

Now  both  the  bark  and  the  wood  are  formed  by  a  gelatinous 
secretion,  called  Cambium,  which  appears  to  be  deposited 
partly  from  the  vessels  of  the  bark,  and  partly  from  the  me- 
dullary rays  between  the  wood  and  the  bark.  This  juice  is 
however  prepared  in  the  leaves  by  the  elaboration  of  the  sap, 
and  then  transmitted  through  the  vessels  of  the  bark,  to  be 
converted  into  solid  matter  on  every  part  of  the  plant.  That 
the  matter  which  increases  the  plant  is  chiefly  prepared  in 
the  leaves,  seems  to  be  proved  by  the  circumstance  that  when 
the  leaves  of  a  tree,  or  shrub,  are  destroyed  in  the  spring, 
little  or  no  new  wood  is  formed  that  season,  Fi=- 236- 

and  if  the  bark  of  the  trunk  of  a  tree  be 
gnawed  off  by  animals,  or  otherwise  removed, 
the  portion  of  the  tree  above  it  continues  to 
grow  in  diameter,  because  it  is  supplied  with 
the  returning  sap,  which  has  been  elaborated 
by  the  leaves,  while  the  portion  below  the 
wounded  bark  ceases  to  grow  because  all 
communication  between  it  and  the  leaves  is 
cut  off.  This  is  represented  by  Fig.  236, 
where  a,  arid  b,  show  the  increasing,  and 
stinted  portions  of  the  trunk,  respectively. 


PHYSIOLOGY.  269 

ORIGIN    OF    BRANCHES. 

All  branches  proceed  from  germs  which  were  formed  in 
the  young  plant,  though  they  may  not  appear  until  the  tree  is 
in  advanced  age.  Even  in  the  bud,  before  it  is  unfolded,  the 
rudiments  or  germs  of  branches  may  be  seen.  They  appear 
in  the  form  of  minute  vesicles  filled  with  a  greenish  fluid 
which  do  not  appear  to  have  any  attachment  to  the  surround- 
ing parts.  This  fluid  is  enveloped  in  cellular  tissue,  which 
contain  mealy  particles,  perhaps  farina.  The  effect  of  vege- 
table organic  power,  is  to  add  new  matter  to  this  living  vesi- 
cle, which  appears  to  be  nourished  by  the  mealy  particles. 
The  first  portion  of  the  branch  that  can  be  distinctly  recog- 
nized is  the  pith,  surrounding  which,  there  next  appear  lines, 
which  are  the  first  traces  of  the  spiral  vessels  of  the  future 
branch.  At  this  period  the  whole  germ  is  a  completely  in- 
sulated body,  within  the  concentric  circles  of  the  parent  tree, 
ajld  continues  insulated,  until  its  complete  evolution  takes 
place,  in  the  course  of  which  the  vessels  of  the  tree  and  new 
branch  join,  and  form  a  continued  series.  The  twig  there- 
fore which  appears  on  the  surface  of  an  old  tree,  is  to  be  re- 
garded as  having  originated  in  the  first  year  of  the  growth  of 
that  part  of  the  trunk,  however  old  it  may  be. 

The   progress  of  the  new  branch  may  Fis- 

even  be  traced  from  the  medullary  portion 
of  the  trunk,  through  the  concentric  layers 
to  the  surface  on  which  it  appears,  by  a  pale 
colored  streak  which  traverses  these  ligne- 
ous circles.  This  is  represented  by  Fig. 
237,  where  a,  is  a  protruding  bud  of  the 
future  limb,  and  b,  another,  making  its  way 
towards  the  surface,  each  leaving  the  marks 
of  its  passage  through  the  ligneous  circles 
behind  it. 

As  the  bud  protrudes  to  form  the  branch, 
the  perpendicular  vessels,  and  ligneous 
fibres  of  the  part  where  it  appears,  separate  to  permit  its  pas 
sage  between  them,  as  shown  by  Fig.  238.  These  vessels 
afterwards  meet  again,  and  pursue  a  curved  direction  around 
the  new  branch.  This  circumstance  conspires  to  prove  the 
fact,  that  branches  are  distinct  individuals,  although  attached 
to  the  parent. 

23* 


270 


VEGETABLE 


Perhaps  a  still  more  clear  idea  may  be  ob-  Fig. 
tained  of  the  origin  of  branches  by  Fig.  239. 
If  we  imagine  the  successive  years  of  the 
growth  of  a  tree  to  be  represented  by  the  cones, 
a,  &,  b,  c,  c,  and  d,  d,  then  it  is  evident  that  the 
germs  producing  the  branches  e,  f,  g,  A,  al- 
though all  of  them  generated  on  the  surface  of 
a,  in  the  spring  of  the  first  year  of  the  plant, 
are  nevertheless,  unfolded  at  different  periods 
of  the  growth  of  the  tree.  In  the  first  year,  c  only  becomes 
a  branch,  from  the  surface  of  which  springs  i,  which  in  its 

Fig.  239. 


turn  gives  birth  to  k,  in  the  second  year,  g  is  unfolded,  from 
which  grows  /,  the  third  year  brings  forth  h,  and  the  fourth 
/",  &c.  Now  in  these  branches  the  age  of  each  is  clearly 
indicated  from  g,  which  is  one  year  old,  to  e, which  is  four 
years  old  ;  but  although  this  is  the  case,  and/,  which  has  ap- 
parently sprung  from  an  adventitious  bud,  is  not  older  than  A, 
a  secondary  branch  from  e.  yet  the  germs  of  all,  are,  in  truth,  of 
the  same  age,  having  their  origin  on  «,  the  centre  of  .the  trunk. 
It.  is  a  curious  fact,  that  the  germ  of  the  future  limb,  will 
not  advance  through  the  concentiic  layers  of  wood,  not  ac- 
tually belonging  to  the  stem  in  which  it  originated,  howev 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


271 


er  intimately  it  may  be  connected  with  it.  In  other  terms, 
the  specific  action  necessary  for  perfecting  the  germ,  cannot 
be  continued  through  a  succession  of  layers,  when  it  has  not 
originated  in  the  first  of  the  succession. 

Thus  in  the  section  of  a  trunk  of  willow,  Fig.  240,  which 
consists  of  two  branches,  which  Fis-  24°- 

have  united  into  one,  the  bud  a, 
was  found  to  have  moved  forward 
in  a  direct  line  from  the  centre  to 
the  circumference  ;  but  6,  another 
bud,  having  proceeded  as  far  as  c, 
where  the  two  limbs  forming  the 
trunk  meet,  turns  aside,  and  instead 
of  protruding  through  the  surface 
titf,  in  the  line  of  its  first  direc- 
tion,  appears  at  b.  In  this  section,  d  marks  the  last  indepen- 
dent belt  of  the  branch,  and  e,  that  of  the  main  trunk  ;  the 
other  zones  being  common  to  both. 


STRUCTURE    OF    THE    LEAVES. 

The  structure  of  l«aves  is  chiefly  cellular,  the  cells  pre- 
senting a  variety  of  forms,  but  are  most  commonly  globular, 
or  oval,  or  hexagonal. 

Every  leaf  has  a  cuticular  covering,  which,  as  we  have 
already  seen,  is  composed  of  two  membranes,  the  epidermis, 
and  cutis.  The  epidermis  on  the  leaves  is  exceedingly  thin 
and  delicate,  and  enters  into  every  pore  of  the  cutis,  to 
which  it  firmly  adheres.  The  cutis  consists  of  a  vascular 
net-work,  which  lies  upon  a  layer  of  air  cells. 

The  cutis  with  its  lining  of  epidermis,  presents,  when  ex- 
amined by  a  powerful  microscope,  very  curious  and  inter- 
esting appearances,  being  found  to  consist  of  pores,  or  ori- 
fices placed  in  various  directions  with  respect  to  each  other, 
and  which  communicate  by  means  of  open  lines,  forming  a 
kind  of  net- work,  which  differs  greatly  in  form,  in  different 
leaves.  These  pores,  sometimes  called  Stomata,  are  as 
above  stated,  of  different  forms,  but  most  commonly  oval,  or 
hexagonal.  The  lines,  or  vessels,  by  which  they  are  joined, 
are  generally  undulated,  or  zig-zag,  and  communicating  with 
each  other  in  various  directions,  as  well  as  with  the  pores. 
But  figures  only,  and  not  words,  can  convey  any  idea  of  the 
forms  of  these  meshes. 

In  plants  with  parallel   ribs,  as  in   Spiderwort,  (Trades- 


272 


VEGETABLE 


cantia,}  in  Indian  Corn,  and  the  White  Lily,  this  net-work 
consists  of  waved  lines  forming  parallelograms  by  communi- 
cating with  each  side  of  the  ends  of  the  oval  pores  ;  Fig. 
241  represents  their  form  and  appearance  highly  magnified, 

Fist.  241.  Fig.  242. 


in  the  leaf  of  the  White  Lily,  and  Fig.  242,  in  that  of  Indian 
Corn. 

These  pores,  in  different  forms,  exist  on  both  sides  of  the 
leaves  of  almost  all  herbaceous  plants,  the  Grasses,  the  Lilia- 
ceous plants,  and  the  Palms.  In  the  leaves  of  trees,  and 
shrubs,  they  are  found  only  on  the  under  surface,  and  in 
aquatics,  the  leaves  of  which  float  on  the  water,  the  upper 
surface  only  is  furnished  with  them.  Leaves  which  are  en- 
tirely under  water  have  no  pores,  although  those  on  the  same 
p?ant,  which  are  in  the  air,  have  them. 

As  descriptions  of  the  forms  under  which  these  reticula- 
tions appear  in  different  leaves,  would  be  useless,  we  can 
only  give  figures  of  them;  with  the  names  of  the  plants  on 
which  their  appearance  is  similar. 

Fig.  243  represents  the  meshes  as  they  appear  on  the  un- 

Fia.  243.  Fig  244. 


der  surfaces  of  the  leaves  of  the  Sage,  Holyhock,  Chestnut, 
Horse-Chestnut,  Oak,  Sumac,  Walnut,  Pear,  Grape-Vine, 
and  Poplar.  The  same  appears  on  the  upper  surface  of  the 
Palmated  Rhubarb,  (Rheum  palmatum,}  and  on  both  sur- 
faces of  Plantago  vulgaris.  Aster  trifolium,  and  many  other 
herbs. 

Fig.  244  shows  the  form  of  the  pores  and  connecting  vessel* 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


273 


on  the  under  surfaces  of  Spearmint,  Elder  (Sambucus  rate 
mosa,}  Lilac,  Clove  Pink  (Dianthus  caryophyllus,)  Mezerou 
(Daphne  mezercum) ;  and  on  both  sides  of  the  Wild  Spinacle, 
African  Geranium  (Pelargonium),  Everlasting  Pea  (Lathyrus 
latifolius,)  Fennel,  and  some  others. 

Fig.    245. 

As  an  example  of  the  hexagonal  form 
of  these  pores,  we  give  Fig.  245,  which 
represents  those  on  the  under  side  of 
the  leaves  of  the  Aloe,  the  Air-flower 
(Epidendron,)  Primrose,  and  others. 


In  respect  to  size,  these  apertures  difTer  greatly  in  differ- 
ent plants.  The  largest  yet  found  are  on  the  under  side  of 
the  leaves  of  the  Oleander  (Nefiurn  Oleander.)  It  is  a 
simple  oval  puncture  guarded  by  hairs,  which  cross  the 
opening  in  every  direction. 

This  subject  has  so  excited  the  curiosity  of  vegetable 
Physiologists  that  they  have  taken  the  pains  to  count  the 
number  of  pores  contained  within  an  inch  square  of  surface 
in  the  leaves  of  various  plants,  and  from  which  the  following 
tabular  statement  has  been  drawn  up.  Some  leaves,  as  we 
have  already  seen,  have  pores  on  the  upper,  and  none  on  the 
under  side,  while  others  have  them  only  on  the  undej;  sidn 
and  others  on  both  sides. 


Names  of  plants,  the  pores  of  which  have  been  counted. 

No.  pores 
on  the  up- 
per side. 

J\ro.  pores 
on  the  un 
der  side. 

Andromeda  speciosa    - 

None. 

32,000 

Arum  draconitum  - 

8.000 

Alisma  plantago            -               -              - 

12,000 

16,320 

Amaryllis  Josephiana 

31,500 

31,500 

Cobea  scandens           - 

None. 

20,000 

Dianthus  caryophyllus 

38,500 

38,500 

Hydrangea  quercifolia 

None. 

160,000 

Gaertneria              - 

1,000 

142,750 

Ilex    -              -              -              -    ' 

None. 

63,600 

Peonia      - 

None. 

13,600 

Pyrus              -              -              -              - 

None. 

24,000 

Syringa  vulgans    - 

None. 

160,000 

Rheum  pulmatum         .              -              - 

1.000 

40,000 

Rumex  acetosa       - 

11,0881     20,000 

274  VEGETABLE 

Such  are  the  circumstances,  and  facts,  concerning  the  pores 
on  the  surface  of  the  leaves  of  different  plants. 

But  the  most  wonderful  and  curious  part  of  their  structure 
still  remains  to  be  described,  namely,  the  interior  vessels,  to 
which  these  superficial  pores  lead.  The  nature,  and  form  of 
these,  can  only  be  discovered  by  placing  a  thin  slice  of  a  leaf, 
cut  in  the  direction  of  its  thickness,  under  a  powerful  micro- 
scope. The  leaf  of  the  Clove  Pink  (Dyanthus  caryophyllus,) 
is  well  adapted  to  this  purpose. 

A  section  of  such  a  leaf,  highly  magnified,  is  represented 
by  Fig.  246,  the  pore  a  being  di-  F'  216- 

vided  longitudinally.  It  is  a 
short  funnel-shaped  tube,  pene- 
trating the  cutis  b,  surrounded  at 
the  bottom  by  a  hollow  ring,  and 
opening  into  the  oval  vesicles  c, 
d,  and  e,  which  as  seen  by  the 
figure,  communicate  with  each 
other.  The  oblong  cells  e  e,  are 
cuticular  air  vessels,  and  corres- 
pond to  the  meshes,  which  lead  from  one  pore  to  another, 
as  shown  in  the  previous  figures.  On  each  side  of  the  pore 
a,  are  two  other  pores  of  the  same  kind. 

Functions  of  the  Pores  of  Leaves. — Decandolle,  Mirbel, 
Bonnet,  and  Sprengel,  regard  these  pores  merely  as  absorb- 
ing, and  exhaling  vessels.  But  it  is  not  easy  to  conceive 
how  the  same  aperture  should  perform  such  opposite  func- 
tions, and  a  closer  investigation  has  seemed  to  prove  that  they 
do  not  absorb,  though  they  exhale  fluids. 

That  they  are  exhalants,  seems  to  be  proved  by  the  fol- 
lowing facts  and  circumstances.  Aqueous  transpiration  is 
greatest  in  those  leaves  which  have  the  greatest  number  of 
pores. 

By  reference  to  the  above  table,  it  will  be  observed,  that 
these  apertures,  in  the  leaves  of  trees  arid  shrubs  are  situated 
only  on  the  under  sides,  while  in  herbaceous  plants  they  are 
found  on  both  sides.  Hence  when  plates  of  glass  are  ap- 
plied to  the  under  sides  of  the  leaves  of  trees,  they  are  soon 
covered  with  drops  of  water,  but  when  applied  to  the  upper 
surfaces  they  prove  that  no  transpiration  takes  place  there. 
When  the  under  surfaces  of  such  leaves  are  varnished,  so  as 
to  obstruct  the  pores,  aqueous  transpiration  fails  entirely. 
The  Hydrangea  (juercifolia,  a  common  hot-house  plant,  is  a 


PHYSIOLOGY.  275 

good  illustration  of  the  proportion  between  the  number  ol 
pores  in  the  leaves,  and  the  quantity  of  aqueous  transpiration. 
It  is  well  known  that  this  plant  requires  a  large  and  constant 
supply  of  water,  and  that  if  it  is  not  supplied  its  leaves  soon 
wither  and  become  crisp.  The  number  of  pores  in  the  leaves, 
being  equal  to  160,000  to  each  square  inch,  appear  to  account 
for  this  phenomena. 

These  facts  prove  that  foliar  pores  are  exhalants,  while 
others  equally  conclusive  show  that  they  are  not  absorb- 
ents. Thus  no  cuticular  pores  are  found  on  the  under  sur- 
faces of  leaves  which  float  on  the  water,  but  the  upper 
surfaces  are  thickly  covered  with  them,  and  yet  it  is  known 
that  these  leaves  absorb  largely  by  their  under  surfaces,  and 
exhale  by  their  upper.  It  is  most  probable,  therefore,  that 
the  absorption  of  water,  which  it  is  well  known  most  leaves 
under  certain  circumstances  have  the  power  of  perform- 
ing, is  dependent  on  other  vessels;  besides  those  above  de- 
scribed. 

Respiratory  organs  of  Plants. —  It  has  been  supposed  by 
several  physiologists,  that  the  respiratory  organs  of  plants 
were  a  different  system  of  vessels,  from  the  exhalants  above 
described ;  but  there  are  several  reasons  for  believing  that 
these  cuticular  pores,  not  only  serve  the  office  of  aqueous 
transpiration,  but  also  that  of  the  aeration  of  the  sap,  or  that 
they  are  the  lungs  of  plants. 

In  \\iQfrst  place,  these  apertures  are  found  only  on  leaves 
which  are  exposed  to  the  air,  and  even  leaves  which  are  not 
naturally  under  water,  lose  them,  after  a  time,  on  being  sub- 
merged. 

Second,  Thin  membranous  leaves  belonging  to  terrestrial 
plants  are  most  liberally  supplied  with  them,  while  those 
which  have  thick  immoveable  leaves,  are  but  sparingly 
furnished  with  these  pores.  Thus  we  can  perceive  an  analo- 
gy between  the  respiratory  organs  of  animals  and  plants  ; 
the  more  perfect  of  both  requiring  the  fullest  supply  of  oxygen, 
while  the  cold  blooded  animals,  which  may  be  compared 
with  the  thick,  rigid  leaves  of  plants,  have  small  lungs,  and 
require  but  a  limited  portion  of  air. 

Effects  of  the  Leaves  on  the  Sap. — The  sap  is  carried 
into  the  leaves  by  the  ascending,  or  conducting  vessels,  and 
is  there  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  atmosphere,  where  it 
exhales  a  large  proportion  of  its  volume  in  the  form  of 
water.  Both  the  influence  of  the  air,  and  the  exhalation. 


'27(5  VEGETABLE 

takes  place  through  the  epidermis,  probably  in  a  manner 
analogous  to  the  process  of  respiration  in  animals,  where 
both  the  oxygenation  of  the  blood,  and  the  moisture  thrown 
out  by  expiration,  is  transmitted  through  the  delicate  mem- 
brane of  the  lungs.  (See  Respiration,  in  the  author's  Phys- 
iology.) Having  undergone  the  influence  of  the  atmosphere, 
by  which  certain  chemical  changes  are  produced,  the  sap  re- 
turns by  another  set  of  vessels  already  described,  depositing 
solid  matter  in  the  form  of  wood  and  bark,  as  it  descends 
towards  the  root. 


VEGETABLE    GLANDS. 

The  Glands  of  Plants  have  already  been  described  at 
page  51,  but  perhaps  not  so  minutely  as  the  subject  re- 
quires. 

Internal  Glands  are  generalty  seated  in  the  substance  of 
the  leaf,  with  an  excretory  duct  leading  to  the  surface. 
These  furnish  the  little  drops  of  essential  oil  which  appear 
on  the  leaves  of  some  plants,  as  those  of  the  Black  Currant. 
The  odor  which  many  leaves  emit,  on  being  slightly  rubbed, 
is  caused  by  the  pressure  of  the  oil  through  the  ducts  to  the 
surface  of  the  leaf.  The  Geraniums,  Mint,  and  Bergamot, 
are  well  known  instances.  In  most  plants  when  the  leaves 
are  swelled  by  their  cellular  fluids,  these  ducts  are  pressed 
upon,  and  closed,  and  hence  the  leaf  exhales  no  odor,  until 
it  is  pressed,  or  withered.  The  latter  is  the  case  with  Cat- 
mint, the  sweet-scented  Meadow  Grass,  and  many  others. 
The  delightful  smell  of  new  hay  is  caused  by  this  effect  in 
the  Meadow  Grass. 

External  Glands  secrete  various  substances  according  to 
the  nature  of  the  plants  on  which  they  are  found.  That 
species  of  Mesembryanthemum,  called  Ice-plant,  is  covered 
with  external  glands  which  produce  a  gummy  substance 
having  the  appearance  of  ice,  and  hence  its  name.  A  sim- 
ilar secretion  is  furnished  by  the  glands  on  the  leaves  of 
the  Sundew.  Other  plants,  as  the  pines,  secrete  a  resinous, 
odoriferous  matter,  on  their  small  twigs. 

The  forms  of  glands  are  as  various  as  their  produce. 
With  respect  to  situation,  these  organs  are  either  sessile,  that 
is,  without  a  foot-stalk,  or  pedunculated,  that  is,  having  a  foot- 
stalk. 


PHYSIOLOGY. 


277 


Fig.  247  represents  several  forms  of  these  organs.     First, 
sessile,  a,  in  the  form  of  papillae,  as  found  on  each  side  of  the 


Fig.  247. 


mid-rib  of  the  leaves  of  the  Passion  Flower,  (Passiflora 
lunata.)  Also  sessile,  b,  in  the  form  of  a  papillary  gland 
covering  detached  scales,  as  in  the  Rhododendron  puncta- 
tum. 

Second,  pedunculated.  This  exhibits  various  forms.  Thus 
on  the  foot-stalk  of  the  leaf  of  the  Nectarine  (Amygdalus 
Persicus,}  it  resembles  a  shallow  cup,  c,  supported  by  a  pedi- 
cel or  stand,  from  the  cavity  of  which  exudes  the  secretion. 
This  part  is  not  covered  by  the  epidermis.  In  the  Castor  Oil 
plant  (Ricinis  communis,)  it  resembles  a  small  round  nail  d, 
and  in  this  also  the  exuding  surface  is  naked  of  the  epider- 
mis. In  the  upper  surface  and  around  the  edges  of  Sundew 
leaves,  the  glands  are  cup-shaped,  and  supported  by  a  short 
foot-stalk  e.  On  the  Moss  Rose,  the  stems  and  buds  of  which 
are  covered  with  these  organs,  giving  them  a  moss-like  ap- 
pearance, they  are  branched,  as  seen  at  «,  which,  like  the 
others,  is  a  magnified  representation. 


ABSORPTION    OF    NUTRIMENT    BY    PLANTS. 

The  greater  number  of  cellular  plants  absorb  water  with 
nearly  equal  facility  from  every  part  of  their  surface  :  this  is 
the  case  with  the  Alga,  for  instance,  which  are  aquatic  plants. 
In  Lichens,  on  the  other  hand,  absorption  takes  place  more 
partially ;  but  the  particular  parts  of  the  surface  where  it  oc 
curs  are  not  constantly  the  same,  and  appear  to  be  determined 
more  by  mechanical  causes  than  by  any  peculiarity  of  struc- 
ture •  some,  however,  are  found  to  be  provided  in  certain 
24 


'273  VEGETABLE 

parts  of  the  surface  with  stomata,  which  Decandolle  supposes 
may  act  as  sucking  orifices.  Many  Mushrooms  appear  to  be 
capable  of  absorbing  fluids  from  all  parts  of  their  surface  in- 
discriminately ;  and  some  species,  again,  are  furnished  at 
their  base  with  a  kind  of  radical  fibril  for  that  purpose. 

lu  plants  having  a  vascular  structure,  which  is  the  case 
with  by  far  the  greater  number,  the  roots  are  the  special  or- 
gans to  which  this  office  of  absorbing  nourishment  is  as- 
signed ;  but  it  occasionally  happens,  that,  under  certain  cir- 
cumstances, the  leaves,  or  the  stems  of  plants  are  found  to 
absorb  moisture  ;  which  they  have  been  supposed  to  do  by 
the  stomata  interspersed  on  their  surface.  This,  however,  is 
not  their  natural  action  ;  and  they  assume  it  only  in  forced 
situations,  when  they  procure  no  water  by  means  of  the  roots, 
either  from  having  been  deprived  of  these  organs,  or  from 
their  being  left  totally  dry.  Thus  a  branch,  separated  from 
the  trunk,  may  be  preserved  from  withering  for  a  long  time, 
if  the  leaves  be  immersed  in  water ;  and  when  the  soil  has 
been  parched  by  a  long  drought,  the  drooping  plants  will  be 
very  quickly  revived  by  a  shower  of  rain,  or  by  artificial 
watering,  even  before  any  moisture  can  be  supposed  to  have 
penetrated  to  the  roots. 

It  is  by  the  extremities  of  the  roots  alone,  or  rather  by  the 
-spongioles  which  are  so  situated,  that  absorption  takes 
place  ;  for  the  surface  of  the  root  being  covered  in  e very- 
other  part  by  a  layer  of  epidermis,  is  incapable  of  perform- 
ing this  office.  It  was  long  ago  remarked  by  Duhamel, 
that  trees  exhaust  the  soil  only  in  those  parts  which  sur- 
round the  extremities  of  their  roots  ;  but  the  fact,  that  ab- 
sorption is  effected  only  at  those  points,  has  been  placed 
beyond  a  doubt  by  the  direct  experiments  of  Sennebier, 
who,  taking  two  carrots  of  equal  size,  immersed  in  water 
the  whole  root  of  the  one,  while  only  the  extremity  of  the 
other  was  made  to  dip  into  the  water,  and  found  that  equal 
quantities  were  absorbed  in  both  cases  ;  while  on  immers- 
ing the  whole  surface  of  another  carrot  in  the  fluid,  with 
the  exception  of  the  extremity  of  the  root,  which  was  raised 
so  as  to  be  above  the  surface,  no  absorption  whatever  took 
place.  Plants  having  a  fusiform,  or  spindle-shaped  root, 
such  as  the  carrot  and  the  radish,  are  best  for  these  experi- 
ments. 

The  spongioles,  or  absorbing  extremities  of  the  roots, 
are  constructed  of  ordinary  cellular  or  spongy  tissue  ;  and 


PHYSIOLOGY.  279 

they  imbibe  the  fluids  which  are  in  contact  with  them,  partly 
by  capillary  action,  and  partly,  also,  by  what  has  been  termed 
a  hygroscopic  power.  But  though  these  principles  may  suffi- 
ciently account  for  the  simple  entrance  of  the  fluid,  they 
are  inadequate  to  explain  its  continued  ascent  through  the 
substance  of  the  root,  or  along  the  stem  of  the  plant  The 
most  probable  explanation  of  this  phenomenon  is  tnat  the 
progressive  movement  of  the  fluid  is  produced  by  alternate 
contractions  and  dilatations  of  the  cells  themselves,  which 
compose  the  texture  of  the  plant ;  these  actions  being  them- 
selves referable  to  the  vitality  of  the  organs. 

The  absorbent  power  of  the  spongioles  is  limited  by  the 
diameter  of  their  pores,  so  that  fluids  which  are  of  too  viscid 
or  glutinous  a  consistence  to  pass  readily  though  them,  are 
liable  to  obstruct  or  entirely  block  up  these  passages.  Thus 
if  the  spongiole  be  surrounded  by  a  thick  solution  of  gum, 
or  even  of  sugar,  its  pores  will  be  clogged  up,  scarcely  any 
portion  of  the  fluid  will  be  absorbed,  and  the  plant  will 
wither  and  perish ;  but  if  the  same  liquids  be  more  largely 
diluted,  the  watery  portion  will  find  its  way  through  the 
spongioles,  and  become  available  for  the  sustenance  of  the 
plant,  while  the  greater  part  of  the  thicker  material  will  be 
left  behind. 

The  same  apparent  power  of  selection  is  exhibited  when 
saline  solutions  of  a  certain  strength  are  presented  to  the 
roots  ;  the  water  of  the  solution,  with  only  a  small  proportion 
of  the  salts  being  taken  up ;  and  the  remaining  part  of  the 
fluid  being  found  to  be  more  strongly  impregnated  with  the 
salts  than  before  this  absorption  had  taken  place.  It  would 
appear,  however,  that  all  this  is  merely  the  result  of  a  me- 
chanical operation,  and  that  it  furnishes  no  evidence  of  any 
discriminating  faculty  in  the  spongiole  ;  for  it  is  found  that, 
provided  the  material  presented  be  in  a  perfect  state  of  solu- 
tion and  limpidity,  it  is  sucked  in  with  equal  avidity,  whether 
its  qualities  be  deleterious  or  salubrious. 

Solutions  of  sulphate  of  copper,  which  is  a  deadly  poison, 
are  absorbed  in  large  quantities  by  the  roots  of  plants,  which 
are  immersed  in  them ;  and  water  which  drains  from  a  bed 
of  manure,  and  is  consequently  loaded  with  carbonaceous 
particles,  proves  exceedingly  injurious  when  admitted  into  the 
system  of  the  plant,  from  the  excess  of.  nutriment  it  contains, 
But  in  the  ordinary  course  of  vegetation,  no  danger  can  arise 
from  this  general  power  of  absorption,  since  the  fluids  which 


280  VEGETABLE 

nature  supplies  are  always  such  as  are  suitable  to  the  organs 
that  are  to  receive  them. 

The  fluid  which  is  taken  up  by  the  roots,  and  which,  as  we 
have  seen,  consists  chiefly  of  water,  holding  in  solution  at- 
mospheric air,  together  with  various  saline  and  earthy  ingre- 
dients necessary  for  the  nourishment  of  the  plant,  is  in  a  per- 
fectly crude  state.  It  rises  in  the  stem  of  the  plant,  under- 
going scarcely  any  perceptible  change  in  its  ascent ;  and  is 
in  this  state  conducted  to  the  leaves,  where  it  is  to  experience 
various  and  important  modifications.  By  causing  the  roots  to 
imbibe  colored  liquids,  the  general  course  of  the  sap  has  been 
traced  with  tolerable  accuracy,  and  it  is  found  to  traverse 
principally  the  ligneous  substance  of  the  stem  ;  in  trees,  its 
passage  is  chiefly  through  the  alburnum,  or  more  recently 
formed  wood,  and  not  through  the  bark,  as  was  at  one  time 
believed. 

The  course  of  the  sap,  however,  varies  under  different  cir- 
cumstances, and  at  different  epochs  of  vegetation.  At  the 
period  when  the  young  buds  are  preparing  for  their  develop- 
ment, which  usually  takes  place  when  the  genial  warmth  of 
spring  has  penetrated  beyond  the  surface,  and  expanded  the 
fibres  and  vessels  of  the  plant,  there  arises  an  urgent  demand 
for  nourishment,  which  the  roots  are  actively  employed  in 
supplying.  As  the  leaves  are  not  yet  completed,  the  sap  is 
at  first  applied  to  purposes  somewhat  different  from  those  it  is 
destined  to  fulfil  at  a  more  advanced  period,  when  it  has  to 
nourish  the  fully  expanded  organs  :  this  fluid  has,  accord- 
ingly, received  a  distinct  appellation,  being  termed  the  nurs- 
ling sap.  Instead  of  rising  through  the  alburnum,  the  nurs- 
ling sap  ascends  through  the  innermost  circle  of  wood,  or  that 
which  is  immediately  contiguous  to  the  pith,  and  is  thence 
transmitted,  by  unknown  channels,  through  the  several  layers 
of  wood,  till  it  reaches  the  buds,  which  it  is  to  supply  with 
nourishment.  During  this  circuitous  passage,  it  probably 
undergoes  a  certain  degree  of  elaboration,  fitting  it  for  the 
office  which  it  has  to  perform  :  it  apparently  combines  with 
some  nutriment,  which  had  been  previously  deposited  in  the 
plant,  and  which  it  again  dissolves  ;  and  thus  becoming  as- 
similated, is  in  a  state  proper  to  be  incorporated  with  the  new 
organization  that  is  developing.  This  nursling  sap,  provided 
for  the  nourishment  of  the  young  buds,  has  been  compared 
to  the  milk  of  animals,  which  is  prepared  for  a  similar  purpose 


PHYSIOLOGY.  281 

at  those  times  only  when  nutriment  is  required  for  the  rear- 
ing of  their  young. 


AERATION    OF    THE    SAP. 


A  chemical  change  of  great  importance  is  effected  on  the 
sap  by  the  leaves,  when  they  are  subjected  to  the  action  of 
light.  It  consists  in  the  decomposition  of  the  carbonic  acid 
gas,  which  is  either  brought  to  them  by  the  sap  itself,  or  ob- 
tained directly  from  the  surrounding  atmosphere.  In  either 
case  its  oxygen  is  separated,  and  disengaged  in  the  form  of 
gas  ;  while  its  carbon  is  retained,  and  composes  an  essential 
ingredient  of  the  altered  sap,  which,  as  it  now  possesses  one 
of  the  principal  elements  of  vegetable  structures,  may  be 
considered  as  having  made  a  near  approach  to  its  complete 
assimilation,  using  this  term  in  the  physiological  sense  already 
pointed  out. 

Two  glass  jars  were  inverted  over  the  same  water-bath  ; 
the  one  filled  will  carbonic  acid  gas,  the  other  filled  with 
water,  containing  a  sprig  of  mint ;  the  jars  communicating 
below  by  means  of  the  water-bath,  on  the  surface  of  which 
some  oil  was  poured,  so  as  to  intercept  all  communication  be- 
tween the  water  and  the  atmosphere.  The  sprig  of  mint 
was  exposed  to  the  light  of  the  sun  for  twelve  days  consecu- 
tively :  at  the  end  of  each  day  the  carbonic  acid  was  seen 
to  diminish  in  quantity,  the  water  rising  in  the  jar  to  supply 
the  place  of  what  was  lost,  and  at  the  same  time  the  plant 
exhaled  a  quantity  of  oxygen  exactly  equal  to  that  of  the  car- 
bonic acid  which  had  disappeared.  A  similar  sprig  of  mint, 
placed  in  a  jar  of  the  same  size,  full  of  distilled  water,  but 
without  having  access  to  carbonic  acid,  gave  out  no  oxygen 
gas,  and  soon  perished.  When,  in  another  experiment,  con- 
ducted by  means  of  the  same  apparatus  as  was  used  in  the 
first,  oxygen  gas  was  substituted  in  the  first  jar  instead  of 
carbonic  acid  gas,  no  gas  was  disengaged  in  the  other  jar, 
which  contained  a  sprig  of  mint.  It  is  evident,  therefore, 
that  the  oxygen  gas  obtained  from  the  mint  in  the  first  ex- 
periment was  derived  from  the  decomposition,  by  the  leaves 
of  the  mint,  of  the  carbonic  acid,  which  the  plant  had  ab- 
sorbed from  the  water. 

It  is  in  the  green  substance  of  the  leaves  alone  that  this  pro- 
cess is  conducted  ;  a  process,  which,  from  the  strong  analogy 
it  bears  to  a  similar  function  in  animals,  may  be  considered 
as  the  respiration  of  vegetables.  The  effect  appears  to  be 

24* 


2b'2  VEGETABLE 

proportionate  to  the  number  of  stomata  which  the  plant  con- 
tains It  is  a  process  which  lakes  place  only  in  a  living 
plant  ,  for  if  a  leaf  be  bruised  so  as  to  destroy  its  organiza- 
tion, and  consequently  its  vitality,  its  substance  is  no  longer 
capable  either  of  decomposing  carbonic  acid  gas  under  the 
influence  of  solar  light,  or  of  absorbing  oxygen  in  the  dark. 
Neither  the  roots,  nor  the  flowers,  nor  any  other  parts  of  the 
plant  which  have  not  this  green  substance  at  their  surface, 
are  capable  of  decomposing  carbonic  acid  gas  :  they  pro- 
duce, indeed,  an  effect  which  is  in  some  respects  the  oppo- 
site of  this  ;  for  they  have  a  tendency  to  absorb  oxygen,  and 
to  convert  it  into  carbonic  acid,  by  uniting  it  with  the  carbon 
they  themselves  contain.  This  is  also  the  case  with  the 
leaves  themselves,  whenever  they  are  not  under  the  influence 
of  light :  thus,  during  the  whole  of  the  night,  the  same  leaves 
which  had  been  exhaling  oxygen  during  the  day,  absorb  a 
portion  of  that  element.  The  oxygen  thus  absorbed  enters 
immediately  into  combination  with  the  carbonaceous  mattei 
in  the  plant,  forming  with  it  carbonic  acid  :  this  carbonic  acid 
is  in  part  exhaled  ;  but  the  greater  portion  either  remains  at- 
tached to  the  substance  of  the  leaf,  or  combines  with  the 
fluids  which  constitute  the  sap :  in  the  latter  case,  it  is  ready 
to  be  again  presented  to  the  leaf,  when  daylight  returns,  and 
when  a  fresh  decomposition  is  again  effected. 

This  reversal  at  night  of  what  was  done  in  the  day,  may, 
at  first  sight,  appear  to  be  at  variance  with  the  unity  of  plan, 
which  we  should  expect  to  find  preserved  in  the  vegetable 
economy ;  but  a  more  attentive  examination  of  the  process 
will  show  that  the  whole  is  in  perfect  harmony,  and  that  these 
contrary  processes  are  both  of  them  necessary,  in  order  to 
produce  the  result  intended. 

Thus  the  great  object  to  be  answered  by  this  vegetable 
aeration  is  exactly  the  converse  of  that  which  is  effected  by 
the  respiration  of  animals :  in  the  former  it  is  that  of  adding 
carbon,  in  an  assimilated  state,  to  the  vegetable  organization  ; 
in  the  latter,  it  is  that  of  discharging  the  superfluous  quantity 
of  carbon  from  the  animal  system.  The  absorption  of  oxy- 
gen, and  the  partial  disengagement  of  carbonic  acid,  which 
constitute  the  nocturnal  changes  efYected  by  plants,  must  have  a 
tendency  to  deteriorate  the  atmosphere  with  respect  to  its  capa- 
bility of  supporting  animal  life  ;  but  this  effect  is  much  more 
than  compensated  by  the  greater  quantity  of  oxygen  given  out 


PHYSIOLOGY.  283 

by  the  same  plants  during  the  day.  On  the  whole,  therefore, 
the  atmosphere  is  continually  receiving  from  the  vegetable 
kingdom  a  large  accession  of  oxygen,  and  is,  at  the  same 
time,  freed  from  an  equal  portion  of  carbonic  acid  gas  ;  both 
of  which  effects  tend  to  its  purification,  and  to  its  remaining 
adapted  to  the  respiration  of  animals.  Nearly  the  whole  of 
the  carbon  accumulated  by  vegetables  is  so  much  taken  from 
the  atmosphere,  which  is  the  primary  source  from  which  they 
derive  that  element.  At  the  season  of  the  year  when  vegeta- 
tion is  most  active,  the  days  are  longer  than  the  nights  ;  so 
that  the  diurnal  process  of  purification  goes  on  for  a  greater 
number  of  hours  than  the  nocturnal  process  by  which  the  air 
is  vitiated. 

The  oxygen  given  out  by  plants,  and  the  carbonic  acid  re- 
sulting from  animal  respiration,  and  from  the  various  processes 
of  combustion,  which  are  going  on  in  every  part  of  the  world, 
are  quickly  spread  through  the  atmosphere,  not  only  from  the 
tendency  of  all  gases  to  uniform  diffusion,  but  also  from  the 
action  of  the  winds,  which  are  continually  agitating  the  whole 
mass,  and  promoting  the  thorough  mingling  of  its  different 
portions,  so  as  to  render  it  perfectly  homogeneous  in  every 
region  of  the  globe,  and  at  every  elevation  above  the  surface. 

Thus  are  the  two  great  organized  kingdoms  of  the  creation 
made  to  co-operate  in  the  execution  of  the  same  design: 
each  ministering  to  the  other,  and  preserving  that  due  balance 
in  the  constitution  of  the  atmosphere,  which  adapts  it  to  the 
welfare  and  activity  of  every  order  of  beings,  and  which 
would  soon  be  destroyed,  were  the  operations  of  any  one  of 
them  to  be  suspended.  It  is  impossible  to  contemplate  so 
special  an  adjustment  of  opposite  effects  without  admiring 
this  beautiful  dispensation  of  Providence,  extending  over  so 
vast  a  scale  of  being,  and  demonstrating  the  unity  of  plan  on 
which  the  whole  system  of  organized  creation  has  been  de- 
vised. 


THE  LANGUAGE  OF  FLOWERS. 


FROM  the  curliest  times,  plants,  or  flowers,  have  had  a 
mystic  or  symbolical  signification.  Thus  the  Olive  among 
all  nations  is  deemed  an  emblem  of  peace,  because  when 
Noah  s  dove  brought  a  branch  of  this  tree  to  the  ark,  it  proved 
that  the  waters  of  the  flood  had  abated,  and  therefore  that 
there  was  a  reconciliation  between  an  offended  heaven  and  a 
guilty  earth. 

Among  many  of  the  ancient  nations  particular  plants  were 
held  sacred.  Thus  the  Egyptians  dedicated  the  Lotus,  a  plant 
growing  on  the  banks  of  the  Nile,  to  their  god  Osiris,  whose 
head  was  always  ornamented  with  a  figure  of  this  shrub. 
This  people  also  dedicated  the  Lotus  to  the  sun,  as  the  god 
of  eloquence. 

In  like  manner  among  the  Greeks,  the  Myrtle,  an  evergreen 
vine,  or  shrub,  was  consecrated  to  Venus,  the  goddess  of  love, 
— the  Oak  to  Jupiter,  the  king  of  the  gods, — and  the  Olive  to 
Minerva,  the  goddess  of  wisdom. 

The  poets  of  mythology  pretended  that  persons,  by  the 
power  of  the  gods,  were  not  unfrequently  metamorphosed  in- 
to plants,  thus  originating  names  which  have  continued  to  this 
day,  arid  forming  emblems  which  no  sentimental  poet  has  dis- 
dained to  employ.  The  name  Narcissus,  it  is  well  known, 
comes  from  that  of  a  beautiful  youth,  who  seeing  himself,  or 
rather  his  image,  in  a  fountain,  was  so  enamoured  of  his  own 
charms,  that  he  pined  to  death  in  consequence.  Of  course, 
Narcissus,  in  this  language,  is  an  emblem  of  self-love.  In 
the  same  strain  of  poetic  fiction,  Daphne  was  changed  by 
her  father  Peneus,  into  the  Laurel,  to  save  her  from  the  per- 
secution of  the  god  Apollo.  With  the  Laurel  the  Greeks 
and  Romans  crowned  their  victors,  and  hence  it  became  the 
emolem  of  glory  arid  honor  to  this  day. 

In  more  recent  times,  the  example  of  the  ancients  in  the 


286  THE    LANGUAGE 

dedication  of  flowers  to  particular  personages  has  been  fol- 
lowed by  the  Roman  Catholicsxto  such  an  extent  t]iat  there 
is  hardly  a  saint  in  the  calendar,  to  whose  memory  some 
flower  has  not  been  consecrated. 

The  flowers  dedicated  to  each  saint  are  such  as  bloom  at 
or  near  the  time  of  that  saint's  festival,  so  that  a  festival  and 
a  flower  are  appropriated  to  each  day  in  the  year.  The 
curious  reader  may  desire  to  see  a  few  examples  of  this 
method  of  commemorating  the  memory  of  the  sainted  dead. 

January. 

4.  HAZEL,    Corylus    avellana.      St.    Titus,   disciple   of    St. 
Paul. 

15.  IVY.  Hedera  helix.     St.  Paul,  the  first  hermit. 

17.  ANEMONE,   Anemone  hortensis.     St.   Anthony,  patriarch 

of  monks,  died  251.     . 
29.  FERN,  Osmunda  regalis.     St.  Francis  of  Sales,  1622. 

February. 

5.  RED  PRIMROSE.     Primula  acaulis.     St.  Adalaide,  1015. 
14.  YELLOW   CROCUS.     Crocus  aureus.     St.  Valentine,  the 

lover's  saint.     He  was  a  priest  at  Rome,  and  married  in 
270. 

16.  PRIMROSE.     Primula  acaulis  plena.     St.  Juliana. 

The  figures  on  the  left  indicate  the  days  of  the  month  on 
which  the  festivals  of  the  several  saints  fall ;  and  these  are 
examples  of  the  manner  in  which  the  calendar  is  continued 
for  every  month  and  day  in  the  year. 

Still  more  recently,  the  Turks,  and  Spaniards,  and  after 
them,  the  French  and  English,  have  made  flowers  the  em- 
blems of  sentiment  and  passion,  until  at  the  present  day,  there 
is  hardly  a  plant  which  does  riot  signify  some  internal  emo- 
tion, or  a  sentiment  of  the  heart,  which  may  not  be  shadowed 
forth  by  some  property  of  a  plant,  or  flower.  In  order,  there- 
fore, to  keep  pace  with  the  improvements  and  refinement  of 
the  times,  we  here  present  our  sentimental  friends  with  an 
alphabetical  arrangement  of  the  flowers  and  plants,  on  the 
virtues,  qualities,  or  forms  of  which,  some  emotion  of  the 
mind,  or  heart,  may  be  predicated.  This  list  might  have 
been  greatly  extended,  by  including  foreign  plants,  whose 
names  and  properties  are  not  generally  known  to  my  fair 
readers,  and  this  may  still  be  done  if  this  specimen  proves 
acceptable  to  their  minds. 


OF    FLOWERS.  287 

ACACIA,  (rose.) — Elegance  of  appearance  and  manner  $.  This 
beautiful  shrub  has  been  compared  to  a  fashionable  lady  in 
her  ball  dress. 

ALOE. — Hope  in  futurity.  It  grows  in  the  wilderness,  arid  is 
slightly  attached  to  the  earth  by  thread-like  roots. 

AMARANTH. — Immortality.  The  name  signifies  '*  never  fa- 
ding," and  the  flower  retains  its  form  and  coloring,  in  spite 
of  time.  In  several  countries,  it  is  a  funereal  flower. 

AMARYLLIS. — Affectation,  pride.  It  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  of  flowering  plants,  but  often  refuses  to  open  its 
petals. 

AMBROSIA. —  Elevated  sentiments.  The  name  signifies  the 
food  of  the  gods. 

AMANITA. — Away  !  I  shall  reveal  no  secrets.  This  is  a  mush- 
room, which  being  eaten,  produces  a  sort  of  intoxication, 
during  which  the  subject  is  said  to  reveal  his  own  secrets, 
and  those  of  his  neighbors. 

ANEMONE. — /  am  forsaken,  and  in  despair.  The  beautiful 
Anemone,  beloved  by  Zephyr,  was  abandoned  to  the  rude 
caresses  of  old  Boreas,  who  blasted,  and  caused  her  blos- 
soms to  fade.  Hence  it  is  called  wind  flower  to  this  day 

ANDROMEDA. — A  cruel  fate  has  fixed  me  here.  This  genus, 
with  small,  delicate,  white  flowers,  growing  in  wet  places, 
was  named  in  allusion  to  the  fate  of  the  maiden,  Andro- 
meda, who  was  condemned  to  spend  her  days  in  the 
midst  of  a  marsh,  which  was  haunted  by  ferocious  rep- 
tiles. 

ANGELICA. — Thou  inspirest  me  with  poetic  visions.  The  Lap- 
land poets  are  crowned  with  this  plant,  and  consider  them- 
selves inspired  by  its  fragrance. 

ASPHODEL. — My  thoughts  will  follow  you  beyond  the  grave.  It 
was  planted  by  the  ancients  near  the  tombs  of  their  friends, 
because  it  was  supposed  that  the  shades  of  the  dead  would 
walk  in  the  fields  of  this  plant. 

ARETHUSA. — My  regret  shall  become  a  fountain  of  tears.  The 
name  is  that  of  a  nymph  of  Diana,  who  was  transformed 
into  a  fountain. 

BALM  OF  GILEAD. —  You  have  cured  my  pain.  It  was  famous 
in  ancient  times  as  a  soothing  remedy.  "  Is  there  no  balm 
in  Gilead  ?" 

BALSAM. — Impatience.  Touch  me  not  if  you  please.  On  the 
slightest  touch  the  capsules  fly  open,  and  distribute  their 
seeds. 

BERBERRY, — M  sour  temper  is  no  slight  eviL.     The  fruit  is 


288  THE    LANGUAGE 

highly  acerb,  a*nd  the  shrub  is  armed  with  thorns,  which 
are  retained  under  cultivation. 

BASIL. — I  may  hate  you  falsely.  It  is  a  strongly  odoriferous 
genus,  some  species  of  which  were  formerly  used  as  em- 
blems of  poverty  and  distress,  while  others  are  still  esteem- 
ed in  cookery. 

Box. — /  change  not.  This  little  shrub  is  esteemed  for  its 
unchanging  nature,  in  every  part  of  the  world.  It  con- 
stantly retains  its  verdure,  while  from  year  to  year  it  hardly 
changes  in  size  or  appearance.  The  tree  box  is  the  mosi 
valuable  of  woods. 

BULRUSH. — You  are  indiscreet.  It  is  an  emblem  of  indis- 
cretion, because  it  bends  in  any  direction  with  the  slightest 
force. 

BUTTERCUP. — Deceit  is  often  thus  covered.  The  flowers  are 
of  a  beautiful  yellow,  arid  look  as  if  they  were  varnished : 
but  they  will  blister  the  skin. 

BURDOCK. — Dont  come  near  me  !  The  calyx  is  armed  with 
hooks  which  catch  hold  of  any  thing  they  touch. 

CACTUS. — You  strike  me  with  horror  !  Many  of  the  species 
are  armed  with  ferocious-looking  spines,  which  are  ready 
to  shed  the  blood  of  those  who  touch  them. 

CALLA  ETHIOPICA. — Beauty  unadorned.  The  flower  is  an 
expanded,  white  spathe,  gracefully  curved  towards  the 
apex,  and  without  a  blush  of  color. 

CAMELLIA     JAPONICA. Your    various  beauties  all  admire. 

This  is  a  species  of  the  tea  plant,  which  came  from  Ja- 
pan, and  contrasting  the  deep  green  and  glossy  surface  of 
its  foliage,  with  the  pure  white,  or  variegated  tints  of  its 
spreading  petals,  there  is  no  exotic  which  rivals  it  in  per- 
manent beauty. 

CATCH  FLY,  (Dionea,) — /  am  not  to  be  caught  without  my  con- 
sent. The  leaves  Qpen  to  the  sun,  but  close  upon  any  in- 
sect, which  happens  to  touch  them,  and  hold  it  fast. 

CARNATION. — There  is  danger  of  a  fall.  It  grows  high,  but 
requires  a  prop  to  keep  it  erect. 

CARDINAL  FLOWER. — Your  beauty  is  heightened  by  contrast. 
It  is  a  beautiful  red  flower,  in  form  of  a  diffuse  spike,  grow- 
ing in  swamps,  among  rushes  and  brambles.  When  first 
seen,  it  elicits  emotions  of  surprise  and  pleasure. 

CHAMOMILE. — Energy  will  surmount  adversity.  Though  every 
day  trampled  upon,  it  still  grows,  and  flourishes,  and 
blossoms. 

.— I  shall  bewaw  of  your  enchardments.   It  was  nam§d 


OF    FLOWERS  289 

after  Circe,  the  enchantress,  and  is  called  Enchanters 
night  shade.  It  grows  in  shady  places,  and  about  the  rums 
of  old  buildings,  where  such  characters  were  supposed  to 
dwell. 

CLEMATIS. —  Your  influence  favors  mental  accomplishments. 
The  common  name  is  Virgin's  bower.  It  is  a  vine  which 
screens  the  sun,  and  forms  a  refreshing  place  of  study  in 
the  hot  season. 

COLUMBINE. — I  see  folly  marked  upon  your  face.  The  nec- 
tary turns  over  so  as  to  resemble,  it  is  said,  the  caps  worn 
by  those  who  were  fools  and  jesters  by  profession,  in  an- 
cient times. 

COCKSCOMB. — Fops  cannot  but  befools. 

CONVOLVULUS. — Thou  lovest  darkness  better  than  light.  Some 
of  the  species  sleep,  or  close  their  petals,  during  the  day, 
and  spread  them  only  during  the  night. 

CORNUS. — Precocity  often  comes  to  naught.  The  Dogwood 
sends  forth  a  profusion  of  white  flowers  in  the  spring,  while 
the  green  leaves  of  its  neighbors  are  just  opening,  thus 
forming  a  fine  contrast.  But  these  flowers  are  mere  invo- 
lucres, falling  off  and  coining  to  nothing. 

CROCUS. — You  are  a  constant  enigma  to  all  your  acquaintance 
The  semination  of  the  crocus  is  a  wonder.  When  it  is  in 
flower,  the  germen  is  situated  under  ground,  near  to  the 
bulb,  but  some  weeks  after  the  flower  has  decayed,  the 
germen  emerges  on  a  white  peduncle,  and  ripens  its  seeds 
above  the  ground.  In  this,  it  differs  from  all  other  vegeta- 
bles. 

COWSLIP. — Thou  art  a  gem  in  the  midst  of  the  desert.  It  ex- 
pands its  beautiful  white  petals  in  May,  amidst  the  most 
worthless  and  disgusting  weeds  of  the  morass.  Each  foot- 
stalk is  said  to  bear  twelve  flowers,  and  hence  it  was  named 
by  Linnaeas,  Dodecatheon,  that  is,  twelve  divinities.  No 
one  can  avoid  surprise,  on  beholding  so  modest  a  beauty  in 
such  society. 

CYPRESS. — An  emblem  of  mourning.  It  is  an  evergreen, 
which  the  ancients  delighted  to  place  among  the  tombs  of 
their  friends.  Many  of  the  chests  containing  Egyptian 
mummies,  are  of  this  wood  ;  and  gates  made  of  it  at  Rome, 
are  said  to  have  lasted  1100  years. 

DAHLIA. — Beauty  and  variety.  They  often  last  but  for  a 
season. 

DAFFODIL. — Self  love  is  thy  besetting  sin.     It  is  a  variety  of 
25 


Y 

-_ 

290  THE  LANGUAGE 

Narcissus,  and  like  other  self-lovers,  is  often  destined  soon 
to  fade.     An  old  poet  says — 

"  Fair  Daffodil,  we  weep  to  see 

You  haste  away  so  soon ; 
As  yet  the  early  rising  sun 

Has  not  attained  his  noon." 

ANDELION. — You  force  yourself  where  you  are  least  wanttd. 
Its  winged  seeds  fly  through  the  air,  and  perplex  the  gar- 
dener, by  planting  themselves  in  his  richest  soils. 

DUCK-MEAT. —  You  are  too  light  to  sink  in  water.  This  little 
aquatic  grows  on  the  surfaces  of  ponds,  never  touching  the 
bottom  even  with  its  roots. 

EGLANTINE. — Poetic  excellence.  In  the  floral  games  among 
the  Greeks,  this  was  the  prize  for  poetic  composition  on 
study  and  eloquence. 

FLAX. — Domestic  industry.  It  has  nearly  vanished  from  our 
country.  In  ancient  times,  the  spinning  of  flax  was  a  fe- 
male employment,  so  honorable,  that  the  daughters  of  prin- 
ces did  not  disdain  it. 

FOXGLOVE. — You  influence  the  actions  of  my  heart.  When 
the  leaves  of  this  plant  are  ta*ken,  the  pulse  intermits,  or 
becomes  slow,  to  a  very  extraordinary  degree. 

GERANIUM. — Domestic  contentment.  No  genus  of  plants 
thrive  so  well  in  the  vitiated  air  of  inhabited  rooms  as  the 
Geraniums. 

GERANIUM,  (fish  ) — You  are  disagreeable  to  me.  No  person 
admires  the  smell  of  fish. 

GERANIUM,  (rose.) — /  give  you  the  preference.  There  are 
very  few  who  do  not  enjoy  the  fragrance  of  the  rose. 

GERANIUM,  (oak-leaved.)—  Mere  names  confer  no  qualities.  It 
has  none  of  the  useful  properties  of  the  noble  oak. 

GERANIUM,  (ivy-leaved.) — A  bridal  decoration.  I  hope  to  see 
you  wear  so  honorable  a  badge. 

HEARTS'  EASE. — PANSY. —  Think  on  me  when  Pmaway.  This 
is  the  common  three  colored  violet.  It  has  no  fragrance, 
but  from  its  tiny  size  and  beauty,  has  ever  been  an  emblem 
of  love,  and  an  object  of  poetic  fiction.  Of  it  Shakspeare 
says — 

u  The  juice  of  it,  on  sleeping  eyelids  laid, 
Will  make  a  man,  or  woman,  madly  doat 
Upon  the  next  living  creature  it  sees." 

HEATH.     Esteem  does  not  depend  on  elevation      This  is  a  ge 


OF    FLOWERS.  291 

t    A.* 

nus  of  diminutive  shrubs  from  Africa,  which  are  general 
favorites,  from  their  easy  culture,  and  the  profusion  of  lit- 
tie  bell-shaped  flowers  which  they  put  forth  in  winter 
HELIOTROPE. — /  am  devoted  to  one  object.  The  name  sig- 
nifies, "  to  turn  towards  the  sun,"  and  it  is  said  always  to 
keep  its  disk  towards  that  luminary.  Of  it  a  poet  says, 

"  Theje  is  a  flower  whose  modest  eye 
Is  turned,  with  looks  of  light  and  love ; 

Who  breathes  her  softest,  sweetest  sigh, 
Whene'er  the  sun  is  bright  above." 

HOLLY. — Come  near  me  if  you  dare.  Even  the  leaves  of  this 
hardy  shrub  are  armed  with  thorns. 

HOLLYHOCK. — You  are  ambitious  of  show.  It  was  brought 
from  Syria  by  the  Crusaders,  and  is  one  of  the  most  ele- 
vated, and  certainly  when  the  several  varieties  are  planted 
together,  the  most  showy  of  all  our  annuals. 

HOUSTONIA. —  Unaspiring  beauty  often  lasts  the  longest.  The 
species  cerulea,  a  little  blue  flower  only  two  inches  high, 
covers  some  of  our  meadows,  and  continues  to  bloom  from 
April  to  November. 

HYACINTH. — Love  of  play  may  decide  your  fate.  The  name 
is  that  of  a  youth  who  loved  play,  and  who  was  killed  dur- 
ing a  game,  by  the  quoit  of  Appollo.  The  god,  it  is  said, 
to  embalm  his  memory,  turned  him  into  the  plant  in  ques- 
tion. 

HYDRANGEA. — Your  character  is  somewhat  contingent.  The 
red  color  of  this  flower  is  changed  to  blue,  by  watering  it 
with  a  weak  solution  of  alum. 

ICE  PLANT. — Your  very  looks  freeze  me.  It  is  a  variety  of 
Mesernbryanthemum,  which  is  covered  with  a  mucilage,  re- 
sembling ice. 

IPOM^EA. — /  attach  myself  to  you.  The  Morning  Glory  can- 
not climb  without  some  attachment. 

IRIS. — /  come  with  a  pleasant  message.  The  flower  de  luce 
of  our  meadows  is  a  species.  The  fair,  fabled  Iris,  was 
a  messenger  of  the  gods,  who  carried  only  good  news. 

IVY. — Nothing  can  part  us.  The  ivy,  (Hedera,)  is  a  vine 
which  clings  with  great  tenacity  to  its  support. 

JASMINE. — Thy  docile  grace  has  won  my  heart.      It  is  a  vine 


292  THE    LANGUAGE 

whose  branches  may  be  trained  into  fanciful  shapes,  and 
•till  retain  their  vigor.     A  poet  says  — 


"My  mild  and  winsome  jasmine-tree, 
That  climbest  up  the  dark  grey  wall, 
Thy  tiny  flowrets  seem  in  glee, 
Like  silver  spray-drops  down  to  fall." 


JUNIPER  —  /  offer  you  protection.  Timorous  animals,  as  the 
hare,  often  find  shelter,  when  pursued,  under  the  thick, 
drooping  branches  of  this  shrub. 

LADIES'  SLIPPER.  —  You  are  too  wild  for  sober  company.  It  is  a 
beautiful,  prudish  looking  red  flower,  which  stands  nod- 
ding in  the  thick  forest,  but  cannot  be  tamed  so  as  to  thrive 
in  the  garden. 

LAUREL.  —  Truth  is  often  concealed  under  out  side  show.  The 
lesser  Laurel,  (Kalmia,)  of  our  woods,  is  an  inviting  little 
shrub  with  gaudy  red  flowers,  but  acts  as  a  poison  when 
taken. 

LEMON.  —  Your  disposition  requires  a  little  sugar.  The  juice 
of  the  lemon  is  seldom  taken  without  sweetening. 

LILY  OF  THE  VALLEY.  —  My  happiness  has  returned.  This 
modest  little  favorite,  embosomed  in  its  profusion  of  green 
leaves,  sends  forth  its  fragrant  bells  in  May,  that  happiest 
season  of  the  year,  — 

"  And  sweetest  to  the  view, 
That  Lily  of  the  vale,  whose  virgin  flower 
Trembles  at  every  breeze,  beneath  its  leafy  bower." 

LOBELIA.  —  Away  with  your  quackery.  One  species,  the  inflata, 
is  much  used  by  quack  doctors,  and  being  an  acrid,  poison- 
ous plant,  it  often  kills  —  but  seldom  cures. 

MAGNOLIA.  —  Thou  art  one  of  nature's  nobility.  —  No  genus 
of  plants  rivals  this,  either  in  simplicity,  magnificence,  or 
beauty. 

MADDER.  —  Deceit  is  often  the  means  of  its  own  detection. 
When  animals  break  into  the  madder  fields,  and  eat  the 
plants,  it  colors  their  teeth  red,  thus  uttering  the  truth  with 
their  own  mouths. 

MANDRAKE.  —  A  little  man  you  are  indeed.  Quacks  formerly 
made  use  of  it,  and  as  every  part  was  supposed  to  help  a 
part,  it  was  pretended  that  it  grew  in  the  form  of  a  little 
man,  and  that  it  cried  bitterly  when  pulled  from  the  ground. 


OF    FLOWERS.  293 

MIGNONETTE. — Your  qualities  much  surpass  vour  appearance. 
It  is  a  depressed  little  Egyptian  plant,  with  unpretending 
flowers,  but  a  universal  favorite  on  account  of  its  delightful 
fragrance. 

MISLETOE. —  You  are  as  mean  as  you  are  indolent.  It  is  a 
parasite  which  never  derives  its  nourishment  from  the  earth, 
and  which  it  never  touches,  but  lives  and  grows  on  some 
other  plant. 

MIMOSA. — Your  irritability  hides  your  other  qualities.  The 
sensitive  plant  is  provided  with  fibres,  which,  like  the 
muscles  of  animals,  contract  under  irritation.  Hence  the 
limbs  of  this  plant  shrink  from  examination,  and  its  leaves 
fold  themselves  together  on  the  slightest  touch. 

NARCISSUS. — Egotists  are  agreeable  only  to  themselves.  This 
unhappy  youth,  happening  to  see  his  own  face  in  a  foun- 
tain, died  of  love  for  himself. 

"  Himself  alone  the  foolish  youth  admires, 
And  with  fond  look  the  smiling  shade  desires. 

*  *  *  * 

Let  vain  Narcissus  warn  each  female  breast, 
That  beauty  's  but  a  transient  good  at  best." 

NASTURTION. — Darkness  flees  at  your  approach.  During 
the  warmest,  and  darkest  nights,  little  coruscations  of 
electrical  light  may  be  seen  flashing  from  the  petals  of  this 
flower.  This  curious  fact  was  first  observed  by  the 
daughter  of  Linnaeus. 

NETTLE. — The  pain  you  inflict  is  not  easily  cured.  The 
sting  of  the  Nettle,  like  that  of  the  bee,  is  furnished  with 
a  little  sack,  which  contains  a  poisonous  fluid,  and  which 
is  forced  out  as  the  point  passes  the  skin.  The  poison  is 
therefore  left  in  the  flesh,  in  some  persons  producing  seri« 
ous  evil. 

NIGHTSHADE. — The  emblem  of  death.  Atropa,  the  botani- 
cal name  of  this  plant,  was  one  of  the  Fates,  whose  busi- 
ness and  pleasure  it  was  to  cut  the  thread  of  human  life. 
The  plants  are  of  a  murky  green,  with  red  berries,  growing 
in  dark,  shady  places,  as  though  watching  for  their  prey 
The  army  of  Sweno,  the  Dane,  when  he  invaded  Scotland, 
is  said  to  have  been  cut  off  by  means  of  this  plant. 

OAK. — Thou  art  honorable  above  all  others.  Among  the 
Romans,  the  civic  crown,  formed  of  oak  leaves,  was  the 
most  exalted  honor  the  nation  could  confer. 

OLIVE. — At  thy  coming  peace   and  joy  prevail.     The  olive 


294  THE    LANGUAGE 

branch  has  been  the  emblem  of  peace  ever  since  Noah's 
dove  carried  it  to  the  ark. 

ORCHIS. — Error  without  intention.  One  species  has  a  flower 
so  resembling  the  bee,  as  to  be  mistaken  for  that  insect. 

ORANGE  FLOWER. — Bridal  honor.  It  is  common  in  some 
countries  for  brides  to  wear  these  flowers  as  a  distinctive 
mark. 

PARSLEY. — Your  presence  is  much  to  my  taste.  From  the 
days  of  imperial  Rome  to  the  present,  this  has  been  used 
as  a  seasoning  for  soups,  and  a  garnishing  for  dishes  at 
banquets. 

PASSION  FLOWER. — Religious  faith.  It  is  supposed  to  repre- 
sent the  cross,  the  crown  of  thorns,  the  scourge,  and  the 
nails  used  at  the  crucifixion. 

PEPPERMINT. —  Warmth  of  feeling.  Cordials  and  lozenges 
are  well  known  warming  articles. 

PINE  APPLE. — You  are  perfect.  Its  beautiful  crown  of  bril- 
liant flowers,  arising  from  amidst  its  spreading  green 
leaves,  together  with  the  delicious  flavor  and  fragrance 
of  its  fruit,  leave  nothing  to  desire  with  respect  to  this 
plant. 

PINK,  white. — You  retain  your  original  simplicity.  This  is 
the  primitive  flower,  from  which  the  variegated  kinds  have 
been  produced  by  art. 

PINK,  variegated. — Art  hhs  spoiled  the  simplicity  of  your  ap- 
pearance. 

POPPY. — I  offer  you  relief  from  pain.  It  is  from  the  green 
capsules  of  this  plant  that  opium,  that  universal  remedy 
for  all  the  pains  that  earth  is  heir  to,  is  obtained. 

QUINCE. — Beware  of  temptation.  It  is  believed  by  some  of 
the  learned,  that  it  was  the  quince,  not  the  apple,  by  which 
sin  and  all  our  woe,  came  into  the  world. 

ROSEMARY. — Your  presence  revives  me.  Hungary  water, 
which  is  famous  for  dizziness,  and  faintings,  is.  made  from 
this  plant. 

ROSE. — Thou  art  an  universal  favorite.  This  flower,  from 
time  immemorial,  has  been  cultivated,  and  esteemed,  in 
every  part  >f  the  world.  It  grows  in  every  climate,  and 
hence  th  great  number  of  its  varieties,  which  amount  to 
at  leas'  1000. 

ROSE,  f  monthly.)  Your  charms  only  fade  to  be  renewed.  It 
sends  forth  new  blossoms  12  times  in  the  year. 

ROSE,    (white.)     Art  has   not   spoiled   your  beauty.       The 


OF    FLOWERS.  295 

variegated,  and  many  of  the  colored  sorts  have  been  pro- 
duced by  the  art  of  the  florist. 

RUE. — In  your  presence  there  is  no  danger  of  witchcraft. 
Mercury  gave  rue  to  Ulysses,  as  an  antidote  to  the  bewitch- 
ing beverage  of  the  enchantress,  Circe. 

SAGE. — I  would  prolong  your  finite  joys.  Sage  was  formerly 
believed  to  be  the  means  of  extending  the  thread  of  ex- 
istence. Hence  says  an  ancient  poet,  "  With  sage  in  his 
garden  how  think  you  a  man  can  die  ?" 

SNOWBALL. — Were  all  like  you  this  earth  would  become  a  desert. 
That  species  of  Viburnum  called  the  snowball,  has  its  sta- 
mens changed  into  petals  ;  hence  it  is  a  vegetable  mon- 
ster, producing  no  seed. 

SNOWDROP.  —  Though  in  chains,  hope  has  not  forsaken  me. 
This  little  plant  is  often  kept  close  to  the  earth  by  the  ice 
and  snow  of  spring,  through  the  crust  of  which  it  has  no 
strength  to  penetrate.  But  the  moment  the  sun  uncovers 
it  by  removing  these  impediments,  it  opens  its  petals  as 
though  nothing  had  befallen  it. 

STOCK-JILLY-FLOWER. — By  cultivation  the  rustic  may  at- 
tain the  highest  distinction.  This  was  originally  a  mean 
little  straggler,  which  grew  on  the  barren  cliffs  of  England, 
but  by  the  constant  attention  of  the  gardener,  for  a  series 
of  years,  it  has  become  one  of  the  noblest  of  ornamental 
plants.  Its  flower,  from  being  an  inch  in  diameter,  has  at- 
tained nearly  the  size  of  the  rose. 

SUNFLOWER. — You  are  valued  for  what  you  do  not  possess 
This  noble  annual  is  supposed  to  turn  its  disk  constantly 
towards  the  sun.  Says  Barton  : 

Uplift,  proud  Sunflower,  to  thy  favorite  orb, 

That  disk  whereon  his  brightness  seems  to  dwell. 

And  as  thou  seem'st  his  radiance  to  absorb, 
Proclaim  thyself  the  garden's  sentinel. 

And  yet  any  one  may  satisfy  himself  that  no  popular  no- 
tion is  more  false,  than  that  this  flower  turns  to  the  sun. 

TANSEY. — /  declare  war  against  you.  This  is  a  bittei 
herb,  which  in  some  countries  people  present  to  those  they 
intend  to  insult. 

THORN-APPLE. — Thy  poisonous  charms  are  only  for  the 
night.  In  hot  climates  the  flowers  of  this  genus  droop 
and  languish  during  the  day,  but  on  the  approach  ot 
night,  unfold,  and  display  their  enormous  bells,  afford- 
ing a  most  gorgeous  and  interesting  spectacle.  The 
flowers  of  a  South  American  species  are  two  feet  long. 


296  THE  LANGUAGE 

nnd  briliantly  colored,  some  single  plants  unfolding  an  him* 
dred  such  at  the  same  time. 

TULIP. — Thou  wert  once  the  dearest  flower  on  which  the  sun 
e'er  shone.  This  flower  came  from  Persia,  and  about  the 
middle  of  the  17th  century,  such  was  the  mania  for  par- 
ticular sorts  in  Holland,  that  a  single  bulb  was  sold  for 
$20.000.  By  this  floral  gambling,  it  is  said  that  the  city 
of  Harlem  derived  ten  millions  sterling  in  three  years. 
The  flowers  were  variegated  by  placing  the  bulbs  in  a  pe- 
culiar soil,  and  it  is  probable  that  this  art  was  confined  to  a 
few.  In  the  following  lines,  there  is  an  allusion  to  thus 
producing  a  new  variety. 

"  Here  lies  a  bulb,  a  child  of  earth, 

Buried  alive  beneath  the  clod, 
Ere  long  to  spring,  by  second  birth, 

A  new  and  nobler  work  of  God." 

Montgomery. 

VINE,  (grape.) — Repentance  follows  thine  embrace.  Anachar- 
sis  says  that  the  Vine  produces  three  sorts  of  fruit,  intoxi- 
cation, debauchery,  and  repentance,  and  that  wisdom  shuns 
them  all. 

VIOLET. — 1  must  be  sought  for  to  be  found.  Ever  since  Di- 
ana changed  lo,  the  daughter  of  Midas  into  a  violet,  to 
hide  her  from  Apollo,  this  flower  has  been  the  emblem  tf 
modesty. 

A  woman's  love,  deep  in  the  heart, 

Is  like  the  violet  flower, 
That  lifts  its  modest  head  apart, 

In  some  sequestered  bower. 

Says  Shakspeare  : 

That  strain  again !  it  had  a  dying  fall. 
O  !  it  came  o'er  my  ear  like  the  sweet  south 
That  breathes  upon  a  bank  of  violets, 
Stealing  and  giving  odor. 

VERVAIN. — Now  thine  art  is  known,  thy  spells  no  longer  bind 
Vervain  was  used  by  the  Druids  in  divination,  and  more 
recently  by  political  authorities  in  making  leagues  with 
foreign  powers.  The  most  extraordinary  magical  virtues 
were  attributed  to  it  ;  but  like  other  sorts  of  witchcraft, 
the  spell  was  broken  when  it  was  known  that  the  plant  did 
not  possess  a  single  active  quality. 


EXAMINATION   OF   FLOWERS. 

•THE  examination  (sometimes  improperly  called  the  analy- 
sis) of  the  flower,  is  a  matter  of  much  consequence  to  the 
student,  as  well  as  to  the  practical  botanist,  as  on  this  de- 
pends the  classification,  as  well  as  the  determination,  of  the 
name  of  the  species.  In  all  perishable  flowers,  the  exami- 
nation should  be  commenced  as  soon  as  possible  after  the 
flower  is  taken  from  the  stalk  ;  otherwise,  where  the  organs 
of  reproduction  are  minute,  the  difficulty  of  distinguishing 
the  parts  will  be  increased  by  wilting  or  drying.  A  pocket 
magnifying  glass  ought  always  to  be  taken  into  the  field 
with  the  student.  The  student  will  find,  at  page  103,  and 
onward,  a  full  account  of  the  methods  of  examining  flowers 
of  the  different  classes,  for  the  purpose  of  determining  their 
genera,  orders,  and  classes,  and  to  this,  with  what  follows, 
we  must  refer  him  for  all  that  is  necessary  on  this  subject. 


PRACTICAL  BOTANY 

THE  following  pages  contain  short  descriptions  of  the  most 
common  indigenous  plants  in  the  Northern  and  Western 
States.  It  is  an  abstract,  inserted  here  by  the  kind  permis- 
sion of  the  author,  from  Dr.  Torrey's  Botany  of  the  Northern 
and  Western  States. 

For  its  employment  in  the  field,  it  is  necessary,  first,  to 
learn  to  distinguish  the  different  parts  of  the  flowers,  as  the 
calyx,  corolla,  stamens,  and  pistils,  and  the  other  parts,  as  the 
inflorescence,  as  described  and  figured  at  page  54,  and  onward. 
Also  review  carefully  the  "  Explanations  of  the  Linnaean  Sys- 
tem," page  100,  and  the  "Examination  of  the  Flowers,"  as 
above  noted,  at  page  103. 

Having  mastered  these  preliminaries,  the  solitary  student, 
book  in  hand,  will,  it  is  hoped,  soon  find  himself  able  to  dis- 
tinguish the  species  described  in  this  treatise,  and  conse- 
quently to  ascertain  their  names. 


'293  PRACTICAL    BOTANV. 

The  classes,  orders,  genera,  and  species,  are  arranged  ac- 
cording to  the  Linneean  system,  the  only  arrangement  by 
which  the  young  botanist  can  find  the  names  of  the  plants. 
If  any  terms  are  used  in  the  descriptions  which  the  student 
does  not  understand,  he  will  find  them  explained  in  the 
Glossary,  page  465. 

In  this  synopsis  the  names  of  the  classes  and  orders  are 
inserted  without  their  corresponding  numbers ;  this  might 
perhaps  be  considered  an  omission,  but  would  it  not  be  an 
imputation  on  the  progress,  of  even  the  beginner,  to  hint  that 
he  did  not  know  by  the  names  of  the  classes  and  orders  their 
corresponding  numbers  ?  and,  besides,  the  classes  and  orders, 
with  the  numbers  affixed,  are  illustrated  by  common  Ameri- 
can plants,  at  page  455. 

The  beginner  might,  perhaps,  at  first  sight,  be  perplexed 
with  the  design  of  the  numbers  affixed  to  the  genera  and 
species,  but,  on  a  moment's  examination,  he  will  find  that 
these  numbers  point  to  the  names  of  the  genera  as  they  are, 
successively  described,  the  same  number  again  indicating  the 
genera  when  the  species  are  to  be  described.  For  example, 
unJer  the  descriptions  of  the  genera,  page  299,  number  64  is 
the  word  Panicum — then,  at  page  312,  number  64,  is  Puni- 
cum  again — where  the  species  of  this  genus  are  described, 
and  so  of  all  the  other  numbers,  a  few  moments  attention 
only  being  required  to  become  familiar  with  this  arrange- 
ment. These  descriptions  are  severally  shown  by  the  words 
genera  and  species,  in  the  text,  so  that  the  student  can  at  once 
find  the  places  where  his  specimen  is  described. 

To  find  the  species  and  name.  Suppose,  then,  when  search- 
ing the  fields  for  specimens,  we  find  a  flower  the  name  of 
which  we  do  not  know.  On  examination^  we  find  that  it 
has  six  stamens  and  one  style,  and,  therefore,  that  it  belongs 
to  Class  VI.,  Hexandria,  and  Order  I.,  Monogynia.  For 
the  description  of  this  class  and  order  see  page  1 32.  In  some 
flowers  of  this  class  and  order  there  is  a  calyx ;  in  others 
this  part  is  wanting.  Next  look  to  the  descriptions  of  the 
genera  in  this  class  and  order,  and,  supposing  our  specimen 
is  complete,  that  is,  having  a  calyx  and  corolla,  then  the 
first  genus  described  is  Leontice,  page  344,  number  157. 
Description. —  Calyx,  6-leaved,  caducus ;  petals  6,  unguiculate, 
opposite  the  calyx ;  nectaries  5,  inserted  upon  the  claws  of 
the  petals.  Anther,  adnate  to  the  filaments;  2-celled  ;  cells 
opening  longitudinally. 


PRACTICAL    BOTANY.  299 

If  our  flower  agrees  with  this  description,  then  we  know 
that  it  is  a  Leontice ;  and  thus,  having  found  the  genus,  our 
next  business  will  be  to  ascertain  the  species.  For  this  pur- 
pose, we  look  forward  under  the  head  marked  species,  until 
we  come  to  the  same  number  as  the  genus,  viz.,  157,  page 
346.  Here  we  find  MONOGYNIA.  157.  Leontice.  Then  L., 
that  is,  Leontice,  species  thalictroides.  If,  now,  our  plant 
agrees  with  this  description,  then  we  can  have  no  doubt  that 
we  have  found  the  plant  in  question.  If  any  of  the  abovj 
words  are  unknown,  look  to  the  Glossary.  HAD.  signifies 
habitat,  that  is,  the  place  of  growth — in  this  case,  "  rocky 
woods  and  mountains." 

But  suppose  our  next  specimen  has  six  stamens  and  one 
style,  or  pistil,  but  is  incomplete,  wanting  the  calyx;  then, 
of  course,  it  belongs  to  the  same  class  and  order  as  the  above, 
but  to  a  different  division  of  the  genera.  On  looking  on  page 
345,  this  difference  will  be  provided  for,  thus, 

C.  Flowers  naked. 

Without  a  spathe.  or  calyx:  perianth  single,  petaloid.  On 
referring  our  flower  to  the  different  genera  there  described, 
we  shall  soon  find  to  which  it  belongs.  Suppose  this  to  be 
number  166,  Lilium,  then  we  know  that  our  specimen  is  a 
lily,  but  as  there  are  several  species  of  this  genus,  we  must 
look  forward  to  the  same  number  under  species.  Here  we 
find,  number  166,  LILIUM  ;  and  below,  L.  philadelphicuni, 
and  L.  canadense,  and  on  comparing  our  flower  with  these 
descriptions  we  learn  in  a  moment  its  name,  place  of  growth, 
height,  and  time  of  flowering.  These  examples  are  suffi- 
cient to  show  the  manner  in  which  flowers  of  the  first  ten 
classes  are  determined.  This  subject  has  already  been  ex- 
plained at  page  104  and  onward,  and  to  which  the  pupil  is 
requested  to  refer,  instead  of  to  a  repetition  of  the  same  points 
at  this  place. 

Syngenesia. — But,  suppose  our  flower,  instead  of  having  a 
single  set  of  stamens  and  pistils,  is  a  compound  flower,  hav- 
ing a  cluster  of  florets  inserted  on  a  common  head  or  recep- 
tacle, thus  throwing  it  into  the  class  SYNGENESIA,  described  at 
page  185,  and  to  which  the  pupil  should  give  careful  atten- 
tion, in  order  to  distinguish  the  parts  on  which  the  classifi- 
cation of  this  important  portion  of  the  vegetable  kingdom 
depends.  If  he  has  not  carefully  studied  the  parts  of  the 
flowers  of  this  class,  he  will  at  first  have  much  difficulty  in 
convincing  himself  where  an  unknown  plant  belongs,  and, 


300 


EXPLANATIONS. 


therefore,  we  will  here  take  one  for  description,  which  he 
already  knows,  viz.,  the  dandelion,  or  Leontodon. 

This  belongs  to  the  division  ^EQUALIS,  page  405,  number 
324.  For  a  description  of  this  order  see  page  187.  Then 
refer  to  page  405,  where  it  will  be  seen  that  the  "  Florets  are 
all  ligulate"  and  that  the  generic  description  of  Leontodon 
is  "  Calix  imbricate,  with  flaccid  scales ;  receptacle  naked ; 
puppus  simple,  stipulate."  Next  at  page  407,  under  species 
number  324,  will  be  found  LEONTODON.  Taraxacum,  exte- 
rior scales  of  the  calyx  reflexed ;  leaves  runcinate,  smooth, 
dentate.  HAB.  Pastures,  &c.  Flowers  from  April  to  No- 
vember. But  it  must  not  be  concealed  from  the  botanical 
student,  that  nothing  short  of  actual  practice,  and  a  good 
deal  of  it  too,  will  ever  enable  him  to  distinguish  the  flowers 
of  this  class  with  accuracy  and  facility.  This  we  have 
ascertained  by  a  practice  of  more  than  twenty  years. 


EXPLANATIONS. 

The  abbreviations  will  probably  be  understood  by  most  of  those  who 
will  use  this  work.  For  the  benefit  of  younger  students,  however,  those 
which  might  not  be  readily  known  are  here  explained. 


alt.  alternate. 
anth.  anther. 
her.  berry. 
bl.  blue. 
br.  brown. 
col.  calyx. 
cap.  capsule. 
cor.  corrolla. 
cucull.  cucullate. 


gr.  green. 
inflat.  inflated. 
invol.  involucrum. 
in.  inch. 
leg.  legumen. 


lobe. 

nect.  nectary. 

num.  numerous. 

pet.  petal. 
cylind.  cylindrical,    ped.  peduncle. 
fl.  flower.  pubes.  pubescent. 

fil.  filament.  pur.  purple. 

fr.  fruit.  rad.  radical. 

ft.  foot.  scabr.  scabrous. 


seg.  segment. 

sm.  small. 

stig.  stigma. 

sil.  silicic. 

sol.  solitary. 

tomcnt.  tomentose. 

wh.  white. 

<£).  annual. 

d\  biennial. 

7J-.  perennial. 

?2.  shrub,  or  tree. 

§.  naturalized. 

HAB.  place  of  growth. 


I.  MONANDRIA. 

Genera.  I.   MONOGYNIA. 

1.  SALICORNIA.  Cal.  turbinate,  entire,  somewhat  veiitricose,  succu- 
lent. Cor.  0.  Stum.  1-2.  Style  bifid.  Seed  1,  covered  ay  the  inflated 
calyx. 

II.  DIGYNIA. 

•2.  CALLITRICHE.  Cal.  inferior  2-leaved.  Pet.  0.  Cap.  2-celled, 
4-seeded,  compressed. 


I.  MONOGYNIA. 
species.    1.  SALICORNIA.     Glass  wort. 

S.  herbacea :    annual ;    stem   erect,  or  branched  ;  joints  compressed 

notched  at  the  summits  ;  spikes  pedunculate  ;  calyx  truncate. 
HAB.  Salt-marshes.     Aug. — Sep.  <2).  6 — W  in.  high,  jleshy,  leafless  j 

style  very  short. 
S.  ambigua :  perennial,  procumbent,  branching ;  joints  crescent-shaped. 

small ;  spikes  opposite  and  alternate  ;  calyx  truncate. 
HAB.  Salt-marshes.     Jul. — Aug.  $  or  F>  .  Procumbent  and  assur- 

gent ;  anth.  purplish-yellow. 

II.   DIGYNIA. 
CALLITRICHE.     Water-Chickweed. 

1.  C.  verna  b.  intermedia:  upper  leaves  spathulate-obovate,  infenof 
ones  lined,  obtuse,  and  emarginate ;  flowers  polygamous  ;  margin  of 
the  capsule  obtuse. 

HAB.  Floating  in  shallow  waters.  Apr. — Aug.  <v).  Uppermost  leaves 
stellate,  3-nerved ;  Jlowers  axillary  ;  superior  ones  stamenif.,  mid- 
dle ones  perfect,  lowest  ones  pistilif. 

II.   DIANDRIA. 
I.  MONOGYNIA. 

*  Flowers  complete,  inferior  ;  1-petalled. 
Genera.  f  Fruit  a  drupe  ^  nut 

3.  LIGUSTRUM.    Cal.  4-toothed.    Cor.  4-cleft.  Berry  2-celled  ;  cells 

2-seeded. 

4.  VERONICA.     Cal.  4-parted.     Cor.  rotate,  4-lobed,  unequal ;  the 

lower  segment  narrower.     Caps.  2-celled,  obcordate ;  seeds  few. 
26 


i  DIANDRIA MONOGYN1A. 

5.  LEPTANDRA.  Cat.  5 -parted  ;  segments  acuminate.  Co/.  tu,> 
ular-campanulate ;  border  4-lobed,  a  little  ringent ;  the  lower  seg- 
ment narrower.  Stain,  and  at  length  the  pist.  much  exserted.  Cap*. 
ovate,  acuminate,  opening  at  the  summit. 

6  GRATIOLA.  Cal.  5-parted,  often  with  two  bracts  at  the  base. 
Cor.  irregular,  rcsupinate,  2-lipped  ;  the  upper  lip  2-lobed  ;  the  lower 
equally  3-cleft ;  Stig.  2-lipped.  Caps.  2-celled,  2-valved. 

7.  LINDERNIA.     Cal.  5-parted.     Cor.  resupinate,  tubular,  2-lipped ; 

upper  lip  short,  reflexed,  emarginate ;  the  lower  lip  trifid  and  une- 
qual. Fil.  4;  the  two  longer  forked  and  sterile.  Caps.  2-celled,  2- 
valved  ;  dissepiment  parallel  with  the  valves. 

8.  UTRICULAR1A.    Cal.  2-leaved,  equal.     Cor.  personate  or  ringent; 

upper  lip  erect ;  lower  lip  spurred  at  the  base  ;  palate  subcordate. 
Fil.  incurved,  bearing  the  anthers  within  the  apex.  Stig.  2-lipped. 
Caps.  1-celled. 

t  t  t  Seeds  4,  naked.     LABIATJE. 

9.  LYCOPUS.    Cal.  tubular,  5-cleft,  or  5-toothed.    Cor.  tubular,  4-cleft, 

nearly  equal ;  upper  division  broader  and  emarginate.  Stam.  dis- 
tant. Seeds  4,  retuse. 

10.  HEDEOMA.     Cal.  2-lipped,  gibbous  at  the  base  ;  upper  lip  3-tooth- 
ed ;  teeth  lanceolate ;  lower  lip  of  2  subulate  teeth.     Cor.  ringent. 
Stam.  2  fertile,  as  long  as  the  corolla ;  2  sterile,  short. 

11.  MONARDA.     Cal.  5-toothed,  tubular.     Cor.  ringent;   upper   lip 
linear,  involving  the  filaments  ;  lower  lip  reflexed,  3-lobed. 

12.  SAL  VIA.     Cal.  subcampanulate,  bilabiate ;  upper  lip  2— 3-toothed, 
lower  lip  bifid.     Cor.  ringent.     Fil.  transversely  affixed  to  a  foot 
stalk. 

13.  COLLINSONIA.     Cal.  bilabiate ;  upper  lip  3-toothed.     Cor.  un- 
equal, somewhat  campanulate,  unequally  5-lobed ;    lower  lobe  divi- 
ded into  many  capillary  segments.     Seeds  4;  three  of  them  generally 
abortive. 

*  *  Flowers  superior. 

14.  CIRC^EA.     Cal.   2-leaved,   superior.     Cor.    2-petalled.     Caps.  2- 
celled,  not  opening  ;  cells  2-seeded. 

*  *  *  Flowers  incomplete. 

15.  LEMNA.     Cal.  1-leaved,  entire.     Cor.  0.   Fruit  a  utricle.     Seed  I 
lying  horizontally,  and  affixed  by  its  lower  side. 


MONOGYNIA. 
Specie*.   3.  LIGUSTRUM.     Prim,  or  Privet. 

L.  vulgare :  leaves  elliptical — lanceolate,  smooth ;  racemes  compound, 
crowded. 

HAB.  Hedges  and  open  woods.  May.  *>  .  6ft.  high  ;  leaves  oppo- 
site ;  Jlowers  white,  panicled  ;  berries  black. 

4.  VERONICA.     Speedwell. 

V.  qfficinalis  :   spikes  lateral,  peduncled  ;  leaves  obovate,  or  roundish, 

serrate,  hairy  ;  stem  procumbent. 
HAB.  Dry  woods  and  meadows.  June — July.  71.  Stem  diffuse;  spikt* 

erect,  subradical ;  Jl.  blue. 


DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  293 

V.  serpyllifolia :  raceme  elongated,  many-flowered;  leaves  ovate, 
crenate,  smooth  ;  capsule  as  long  as  the  style  ;  stem  ascending. 

HAB.  Meadows.  May.  ^.  Stem  procumbent  at  base,  Jl.  pale  blue. 

V.  Beccabunga:  racemes  opposite;  leaves  elliptical,  obtuse,  on  short 
petioles,  subserrate,  glabrous ;  stem  procumbent,  rooting  at  the 
base. 

EIAB.  In  water ;  rare.  June.  Tj..  1  ft.  high,  terete  ;  racemes  axillary, 
many-flow.  ;  corol.  blue  ;  caps,  inflat. 

V.  Anagallis  •  racemes  opposite ;  leaves  lanceolate,  serrate ;  stem 
erect. 

HAB.  In  water.  June — Aug.  7|..  1  \  ft.  high,  subquadrang. ;  peduncl. 
subpubescent  ;  Jl.  pale  blue. 

V.  scutellata:  racemes  lateral  and  alternate;  (rarely  opposite)  pedi- 
cels divaricate ;  leaves  linear,  somewhat  toothed ;  stem  nearly 
erect. 

HAB.  in  water.  May — June.  1\..  Root  creeping  ;  stem  weak  ;  some- 
what branched  ;  Jl.  pale  blue,  or  Jlesh-colored. 

V.  arvensis :  flowers  solitary,  subsessile ;  inferior  leaves  petiolate, 
cordate,  ovate,  serrate ;  stem  leaves  crenate ;  floral  ones  lanceolate, 
sessile,  longer  than  the  pedicels ;  segments  of  the  calyx  unequal  j 
capsule  obcordate,  compressed. 

HAB.  Dry  hills  and  fields.  Apr. — Aug.  ©.  Stem  assurgent,  2 — 6  in, 
high  ;  Jl.  pale  blue  ;  caps,  compres. 

V.  agrestis:  flowers  solitary,  pedicellate,  leaves  petiolate,  cordate- 
ovate,  serrate,  segments  of  the  calyx  equal,  ovate,  hairy ;  stem  pro- 
cumbent, pubescent. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  May.  <v).  Branched,  diffuse;  Jl.  blue,  veined; 
capsule  didymous,  subventricose. 

V.  peregrina :  flowers  solitary,  sessile ;  leaves  oblong,  serrate,  rather 
obtuse ;  stem  erect. 

HAB.  Wet,  clayey  soils.  May.  July.  <v).  Smooth;  stem  branched  at 
the  base;  rad.  leaves  subp etiolate ;  Jl.  small  white;  caps,  obcor- 
date. 

5.  LEPTANDRA. 

L.  mrginica :  leaves  verticillate,  in  fours  or  fives,  lanceolate,  serrate, 

petiolate. 
HAB.  Woods  and  fertile  valleys.  July— Aug.  %..  Stem  3— 4ft.  high ; 

Jl.  white,  in  a  long  terminal  spike. 

6.  GRATIOLA.  Hedge-hyssop. 

G.  aurea :  smooth  ;  leaves  linear-oblong ;  half  embracing  the  stem, 
obscurely  toothed;  leaves  of  the  calyx  equal;  sterile  filaments  mi- 
nute. 

HAB.  Wet,  sandy  places,  and  in  woods.  Aug. — Sept.  QJ..  Root  creep- 
ing ;  stem  8 — 12  in. ;  Jl.  yellow. 

Gr.  mrginica :  stem  pubescent,  assurgent,  terete ;  leaves  smooth,  lan- 
ceolate, sparingly  dentate-serrate,  alternate  and  connate  at  the  base ; 
leaves  of  the  calyx  equal ;  sterile  filaments  wanting. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  July— Aug.  %.  6—8  in.,  branched  at  the 
base  ;  leaves  smooth ;  cor.  white  ;  tube  yellow. 

7.  LINDERNIA. 

L.  dilatata :  leaves  dilated  at  the  base,  amplexicaul,  remotely  toothed; 
peduncles  longer  than  the  leaves. 


294  DIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

HAB.  Overflowed  places.  July — Sept.  <v).  Stem  assurgent ;  pedunc 
alternate  and  opposite,  spreading  ;  cor.  pale  purple. 

L.  attenuata  :  leaves  lanceolate  and  obovate,  narrowed  at  the  hase ; 
peduncles  shorter  than  the  leaves,  erect. 

HAB.  Overflowed  places.  July — Sept.  <2>.  Stem  erect  or  procumb. ; 
leaves  serrate  or  dentate  ;  cor.  pale  purple. 

8.  UTRICULARIA.    Bladder-wort. 

U.  vulgaris :  floating ;  stems  submerged,  dichotomous ;  leaves  many- 
parted,  vesiculose ;  scape  5 — 9-flowered ;  upper  lip  of  the  corolla  en- 
tire, broad  ovate  ;  spur  conical,  incurved. 

U.  gibba :  floating ;  scape  generally  2-flowered  ;  spur  shorter  than 
the  lower  lip  of  the  corolla,  obtuse,  gibbous  in  the  middle. 

HAB.  In  ponds.  July.  7J..  Roots  dichot.,  with  few  utric. ;  scape  2 — 3 
in.  ;  lips  of  the  corol.  roundish. 

U.  cornuta :  scape  rooting,  erect,  rigid  ;  flowers  2 — 3,  subsessile ;  in- 
ferior lip  of  the  corolla  very  wide,  3-lobed ;  spur  very  acute,  por- 
rected. 

HAB.  In  wet  places.  Aug. — Sep.  1|_.  Scape  1  ft.,  rooting  in  the 
mud,  bracteolate ;  Jlower  approx.  large ;  palate  very  promi- 
nent. 

9.  LYCOPUS.     Water  Horehound; 

L.  europeus  b.  angustifolius :  smooth ;  stem  acutely  quadrangular ; 
leaves  narrow-lanceolate,  with  large  acute  teeth ;  lower  ones  some- 
what pinnatifid ;  segments  of  the  calyx  acuminate,  terminating  in 
short  spines. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows  and  ditches.  Aug.  ®.  Root  creeping ;  stem  1 
— 2  ft.  much  branched ;  leaves  puncticul. ;  Jl.  vertir.ill.  crowded, 
white. 

L.  virginicus :  leaves  broad-lanceolate,  serrate,  narrow  and  entire  at 
the  base  ;  calyx  shorter  than  the  seed,  spineless. 

HAB.  Shady,  wet  places.  Aug.  %.  Stem  1 — 1^  ft. ;  nearly  simple, 
with  obtuse  angles  ;  leaves  coarsely  serrate,  purplish  beneath. 

10.  HEDEOMA.     Wild  Pennyroyal. 

H.  pulegioides :  leaves  oblong,  remotely  serrate ;  peduncles  axillary, 

numerous. 
HAB.  Dry  hills  and  woods.    July — Aug.  ©.  Plant  aromatic  ;  fl, 

subverticillate,  pale  blue. 

11.  MONARDA. 

M.  didyma:  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  subcordate,  somewhat  hairy; 
flowers  in  simple  or  proliferous  heads ;  exterior  bracts  large,  colored, 
lanceolate. 

HAB.  River  banks.  July — Aug.  1\..  Stem  quadrang.,  somewhat  pu- 
bescent ;  Jlower 8  large,  scarlet. 

b.  angustifolia :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  and  with  the 
stem,  pubescent. 

HAB.  Boggy  woods.  July.  %..  Stem  more  slender  ;  heads  rarely  pro- 
liferous ;  leaves  attenuate  at  the  base. 

M.  hirsuta :  whole  plant  very  hairy ;  flowers  small,  verticillate ; 
bracts  attenuated  into  awns;  upper  teeth  of  the  calyx  very  short,  the 


TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  295 

others  setiform ;  leaves  ovate,  on  long  petioles,  serrate. 
HAB.  On  mountains.  August,^.  Much  branched,  and  almost  wool- 
ly ;  Jl.  pale  blue,  spotted  with  purple  ;  upper  Up  very  short. 

12.  SAL VI A. 

S.  lyrata  :  radical  leaves  lyrate-sinuate ;  stem  nearly  leafless,  retrorse- 

ly  hairy ;  upper  lip  of  the  corolla  very  short. 
HAB.  Fields  and  borders  of  woods.  June,  7J-.  Stem  afoot  high,  very 

hairy  ;  whorls  about  6-Jl.  ;  cor.  blue. 

13.  COLL1NSONIA.     Horse-weed. 

C.  canadensis:  leaves  broad-cordate,  ovate,  glabrous;  teeth  of  the  ca- 
lyx short,  subulate ;  panicle  terminal,  compound. 

HAB.  Among  rocks,  in  rich  soil.  Aug.  Ij..  Smooth ;  leaves  on  long 
or  short  foot-stalks  ;  Jl.  dull  yellow. 

14.  CIRC^EA.     Enchanter's  nightshade. 

C.  lutetiana  b.  canadensis  :  stem  erect ;  leaves  ovate,  remotely  tooth- 
ed, opaque,  nearly  smooth. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.  July— Aug.  1]..  Stem  I— 2  feet  high,  simple  ; 
Jl.  in  racemes,  pedicellate,  reddish  white  ;  fruit  hispid. 

C.  alpina :  stem  branched,  very  smooth,  often  procumbent;  leaves 
broad  cordate,  membranaceous,  acutely  toothed,  shining. 

HAB.  On  barks  of  trees  and  wet  mossy  rocks.  Aug.  TJ..  Very  smooth, 
6—8  in.  high  ;  leaves  very  broad,  subdiaphanous  ;  fruit  pubescent. 

15.  LEMNA.     Duck's  Meat. 

L.  trisulca  :  fronds  thin,  elliptical-lanceolate,  caudate  at  one  extremity, 
at  the  other  serrate ;  roots  solitary. 

HAB.  Pure  stagnant  waters.  ®.  Fronds  laterally  proliferous,  and 
appearing  cruciate  ;  root  a  solitary  fibre,  calyptrate  at  the  extrem- 
ity. 

L.  minor  :  fronds  nearly  ovate,  compressed  ;  roots  solitary. 

HAB.  Stagnant  waters.  ®.  Fronds  a  line  or  a  line  and  a  half  long, 
succulent,  aggregated. 

L.  gibba  :  fronds  obovate,  nearly  plane  above,  hemispherical  beneath ; 
roots  solitary. 

HAB.  Stagnant  waters.  <v).  Fronds  as  large  as  the  preceding,  gib- 
bous, pellucid  and  reticulated  beneath. 


TRIANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 

Genera.  *  Fl°wcrs  superior. 

16.  IRIS.  Cor.  incomplete,  6-parted;  3  of  the  segments  reflexed,  the  oth- 
ers  erect  or  connivent.     Style  short,  or  0.  Stig.  3,  petaloid,  covering 
the  stamens.     Caps.  3-celled,  many-seeded. 
26* 


296  TRIAN0RIA — DIGYNIA. 

*  *  Flowers  inferior. 

t   Complete. 

17  XYRIS.  Fl.  in  a  roundish  or  oblong  head.  Cal.  glumaceous,  cartil- 
aginous, 3-valved.  Cor.  3-pctalled,  equal.  Stig.  3-cleft.  Cans. 
1 -celled,  3-valved. 

1 1  Incomplete. 

18.  SISYRINCH1UM.    Spath.  2-leaved.     Cor.  6-petalled,  flat,  equal. 

Stam.  cohering  below.     Stig.  3-cleft.     Caps.  3-celled. 
*  *  *  Flowers  glumaceous. 

19.  SCIRPUS.     Glum.  1-valved,   1-flowered,  imbricated  on  all  sides. 

Cor.  0. 

20.  SCHQENUS.     Glum,  fascicled  into  a  spike,  paleaceous ;  the  infe- 
rior ones  empty.     Cor.  0.  Style  deciduous.  Seed  1,  (mostly  naked  at 
the  base.) 

21.  RHYNCHOSPORA.      Glum,  fascicled  into  a  spike ;   the  inferior 
ones  empty.     Cor.  0.     Seed  1,  crowned  with  the  persistent   style  ; 
base  surrounded  with  bristles. 

22.  MARISCUS.      Fl.  distinct,  in  a  somewhat  imbricated  spike.     CaZ. 
2-valved,  unequal,  3-flowered.     Cor.   1-valved.     Style  3-cleft.     Seed 
triquetrous. 

23.  DULICHIUM.      Spikes  somewhat  racemose,   axillary;    spikdets 
linear-lanceolate,  rather  compressed.      Glum,   distichous,  sheathing. 
Cor.  0.    Style  very  long,  bifid ;  base  persistent.   Seed  with  bristles  at 
the  base. 

24.  CYPERUS.    Spikelets  compressed,  distinct.     Glum,  imbricated  ih 
two  rows.     Cor.  0.     Style  deciduous.     Seed  naked. 

25.  ERIOPHORUM.    Glum.  1-valved,  imbricated  on  all  sides  into  a 

spike.     Cor.  0.     Seed  surrounded  with  long  dense  wool. 

26.  SPARTINA.  Fl.  in  unilateral  spikes,  imbricated  in  2  rows.     Cal. 
2-valved,   compressed,   unequal.     Cor.   2-valved,  awnless,  unequal. 
Nect.  collateral. 

27.  ORYZOPSIS.  Cal.  1-flowered,  2-valved ;    valves  membranaceous, 
nearly  equal,  loose,  obovate,  awnless.     Cor.  2-valved,  coriaceous,  cyl' 
indrical-ovate,   hairy  at  the  base ;  the  inferior  valve  awned  at  tip 
Nect.  linear,  elongated. 


DIGYNIA. 

A.  Flowers  all  perfect. 

t  Spikelets  l-fiowered. 

*    Cal.O. 

28.  LEERSIA.     Cal.  0.      Cor.  2-valved,   closed;   valves  compressed, 
boat-shaped.     Nect.  obovate,  entire,  collateral. 

*  *    Cal.  2-valved. 
a.  Cor.  without  abortive  rudiments  at  the  base. 

} .   Glumes  and  corolla  of  dissimilar  texture  ;  the  inferior  valve  involv- 
ing the  superior. 


TRIANDRIA DIGVNIA.  297 

a.  Cor.  unarmed. 

29.  PASPALUM.  Fl.  m  unilateral  spikes.     Cal.  2-valved,  membrana- 
ceous, equal,  nearly  orbicular.     Cor.  cartilaginous,   of  the  size  and 
form  of  the  calyx.     Stig.  plumose,  colored.     Nect.  collateral 

30.  MILIUM.     Cal.  2-valved,  herbaceous.      Cor.  2-valved,  coriaceous, 
oblong,  concave,  shorter  than  the  calyx,   awnless.     Seed  2-horned. 
Nect.  collateral. 

b.  Cor.  armed  or  bristled  at  the  tip. 

31.  PIPTATHERUM.     Cal.  membranaceous,  longer  than  the  corolla. 

Cal.  cartilaginous,  elliptical ;  inferior  valve  awned  at  the  tip.  Nect. 
ovate,  entire.  Seed  coated. 

32.  STIPA.     cal.  2-valved,   membranaceous.      Cot.   2-valved,   shorter 
than  the  calyx,  coriaceous,   involute,  subcylindric ;  awn   terminal, 
contorted  near  the  base.     Seed  coated. 

33.  ARISTIDA.     cal.    2-valved,   membranaceous,   unequal,      cor.  2- 

valved,  pedicellate,  subcylindric ;  inferior  valve  coriaceous,  involute, 
3-awned  at  the  tip ;  superior  valve  very  minute,  or  obsolete.  Nect. 
collateral. 

2.    Glumes  and  corolla  of  nearly  similar  texture,  often  carinate. 
a.  Panicle  more  or  less  spreading. 

34.  MUHLENBERGIA.  cal.  very  minute,  2-valved,  truncate,  unequal. 

cor.  2-valved,  hairy  at  the  base ;  inferior  valve  terminating  in  a  slen- 
der bristle. 

35.  TRICHODIUM.  cal.   2-valved ;  valves  nearly  equal,  serrulate  on 
the  keel.     cor.  1-valved,  smaller  than  the  calyx.     Stig.  nearly  ses- 
sile. 

36.  AGROSTIS.     cal.  2-valved,  1-flowered,   compressed,   herbaceous 
cor.  2-valved,  membranaceous,  generally  larger  than  the  calyx,  often 
hairy  at  the  base.     Nect.  collateral.     Seed  coated. 

37.  CINNA.     cal.  2-valved,  compressed,  nearly  equal,     cor.  linear,  com- 
pressed, shortly  stipitate,  naked  at  the  base  ;  inferior  valve  enclosing 
the  superior,  with  a  short  awn  near  the  summit. 

38.  POLYPOGON.     cal.  2-valved,    1-flowered;    valves  nearly  equal, 
terminating  in  a  bristle,     cor.  2-valved,  shorter  than  the  calyx  ;  the 
inferior  valve  terminating  in  a  bristle. 

39.  TRICHOCHLOA.     cal.  2-valved,  1-flowered;  glumes  very  mi- 
nute,    cor.  much  larger  than  the  calyx,  2-valved,  naked  at  the  base  ; 
inferior  valve  convolute  at  the  base,  terminating  in  a  long  awn  not 
articulated. 

40.  ARUNDO.     cal.  2-valved,  unequal,   membranaceous,   surrounded 
with  hair  at  the  base  ;  inferior  valve  mucronate  or  slightly  awned 
superior  valve  sometimes  with  a  pencil-form  rudiment  at  the  base. 

b.  Panicle  more  or  less  contracted  into  a  spike. 

41.  PSAMMA.     cal.  2-valved,  awnless.     cor.  shorter  than  the  calyx, 
surrounded  with  hairs  at  the  base.     Nect.  linear-lanceolate,   longer 
than  the  seed.     Style  3-parted  ;  stig.  3. 

42.  ALOPECURUS.     cal.  2-valved,  equal ;  glum,  generally  connate 
at  the  base  ;  cor.  1-valved,  utriculate,  cleft  on  one  side,  awned  below 
the  middle ;  styles  often  connate. 

43.  PHLEUM.     cal.  2-valved,  much  longer  than  the  corolla ;  glumes 

equal,  boat-shaped,  rostrate  or  mucronate ;  cor.  2-valved,  included  in 
the  calyx,  awnless,  truncate. 


TRIAND^IA DIGYNIA. 


c.   Corolla  with  one  or  two  abortive  rudiments  ofjlorets  at  the  h»ise. 
Glume  and  corolla  of  nearly  similar  texture. 

44.  PHALARIS.  cal.  1-flowered,  2-valved,  nearly  equal,  membranace- 
ous,  gibbous  on  the  back,  carinate;    cor.  2-valved,  coriaceous,  hairy 
at  the  base,  shorter  than  the  calyx.    Rudiments  opposite,  sessile,  re- 
sembling valves.     Nect.  collateral. 

45.  ANTHOXANTHUM.     cal.  2-valved,  1-flowered  ;  cor.  2-valved 
with  two  abortive,  1-valved  rudiments  at  the  base ;    one  of  them 
awned  from  near  the  base,  the  other  from  near  the  tip.     Stam.  2. 

46.  BRACHYELYTRUM.    cal.  very  minute ;  inferior  glume  scarcely 
perceptible ;  cor.  with  the  inferior  valve  terminating  by  a  long  bristle : 
superior  valve  with  a  clavate  rudiment  at  the  base. 

tt    Spikelets  many-Jlowered. 
*  Florets  all  perfect, 
a.  Flowers  panicled. 
1.  Corolla  unarmed. 

47.  PHRAGMITES.     Calyx  5^7-flowered.     Florets  on  villose  pedi- 
cels, except  the  lowest,  which  is  sessile  and  naked  at  the  base ;  infe- 
rior valve  elongated,  acuminate,  and  involute ;  superior  valve  some- 
what conduplicate. 

48.  GLYCERIA.    .Spikelets  terete,   elongated;     cal.   many-flowered, 
shorter  than  the  florets ;  inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  herbaceo-mem- 
branaceous ;  superior  valve  somewhat  conduplicate.     Nect.  collateral, 
connate.     Stif*  decompound. 

49.  UNIOLA.    Spikelets  compressed,  ancipital,  many-flowered  ;  cal.  2- 
valved,  shorter  than  the  florets ;  cor.   2-valved,   awnless ;    inferior 
valve  boat-shaped ;    superior  valve  smaller,   concave  on   the  back, 
Nect.  collateral,  emarginate. 

50.  BRIZA.     Spikelets  cordate-ovate,  many-flowered  ;  cal.  paleaceous, 
shorter  than  the  distichous  florets ;    cor.  ventricose ;  inferior  valve 
cordate ;  superior  nearly  orbicular,  very  short. 

51.  POA.     Spikelets  oblong  or  linear,  compressed,  many-flowered  ;  cal. 
shorter  than  the  florets ;  cor.  herbaceous,  awnless,  often  arachnoid  at 
the  base  ;  inferior  valve  scarious  on  the  margin. 

2.    Corolla  more  or  less  setigerous  or  mucronate. 

52.  KCELERIA.  cal.  2 — 4-flowered,  shorter  than  the  florets.     Inferior 
valve  of  the  corolla  mucronate,  or  with  a  short  bristle  a  little  below 
the  tip. 

53.  FES  TUG  A.  Spikelets  often  more  or  less  terete,  at  length  compress- 
ed, many-flowered  ;  calyx  unequal,  carinate,  shorter  than  the  florets ; 
corolla  somewhat  terete  ;    superior  valve  acute,  mucronate,  or  with  a 
short  bristle  at  the  tip  ;  superior  valve  bidentate. 

54.  DACTYLIS.     Spikelets  aggregated  in  a  unilateral  head,   many- 
flowered  ;  calyx  snorter  than  the  florets ;  one  of  the  glumes  larger, 
carinate  and  pointed.     Inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  carinate,  emargi- 
nate, mucronate ;  superior  valve  somewhat  conduplicate. 

3.   Corolla  more  or  less  bifid,  armed  between  the  divisions,  a  little  below 
the  tip. 

55.  DANTHONIA.    calyx   2— 5-flowered,  longer  than  the  florets; 


TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA.  299 

glumes  cuspidate ;  corolla  bearded  at  the  base ;  inferior  valve  2-tooth- 

ed,  with  a  twisted  awn  between  the  teeth;  superior  valve  obtuse, 

entire. 
>6.  TRISETUM.  calyx  3 — 5-flowered,  membranaceous,  as  long  as  the 

florets.     Inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  with  two  bristle-form  teeth  at 

the  tip,  awned  below  the  division  of  the  teeth. 
57.  BROMUS.     Spikelets    oblong,  distichous,    many-flowered;    calyx 

shorter  than  the  florets.     Inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  bifid,  with  a 

bristle  between  the  teeth  a  little  below  the  tip ;  superior  valve  sub- 

conduplicate,  ciliate. 

4.  Inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  awned  on  the  back. 

«.  AIRA.  calyx  2 — 3-flowered,  longer  than  the  florets.  Inferior  valve 
of  the  corolla  eroded  or  many-toothed,  awned  on  the  back  below  the 
middle. 

b.  Flowers  spiked. 

1.   Calyx  l-valved. 

"tef.  LOLIUM.  Spikelets  sessile  on  a  rachis,  many-flowered ;  calyx  of  1 
glume.  Inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  herbaceo-membranaceous,  mu- 
^ronate,  or  with  a  short  bristle  at  the  tip. 

*^*'  2.  Calyx  2-valved. 

60.  KLEUSINE.  Spikes  digitate,  unilateral ;  calyx  membranaceous,  4 
— 6-flowered ;  glumes  obtuse,  unequal ;  corolla  membranaceous,  un- 
equal, unarmed  ;  inferior  valve  carinate,  the  superior  concave  on  the 
back.  Ssed  triangular,  transversely  rugose. 

51.  AGROPYRON.  Spikelets  sessile  on  the  teeth  of  the  rachis,  3—9 
flowered.  Glum,  lanceolate,  carinate.  Inferior  valve  of  the  corolla 
mucronate,  or  terminating  in  a  subulate  bristle. 

n2.  ELYMUS.  Spikelets  two  or  more  at  each  joint  of  the  rachis,  3—9- 
flowered.  Glum,  (involucrum)  germinate,  subulate.  Inferior  valve 
of  the  corolla  entire,  mucronate,  or  with  a  short  bristle  at  the  tip. 

*  *  Terminal  florets  abortive,  or  mere  rudiments. 

63.  ATHEROPOGON.  Spikes  in  a  unilateral  raceme.     Cal.  2-valved, 
membranaceous,  2-flowered ;  inferior  glume  setiform.     Perfect  floret 
2-valved ;  inferior  valve  3-toothed,  or  3-bristled ;  superior  valve  bifid. 
Abortive  floret  pedicellate,  2-valved  ;  3-bristled. 

B.  Flowers  polygamous. 
t  Panicled. 

64.  PANIC UM.     Cal.  2-valved,  2-flowered ;   the  inferior  glume  oftei, 
very  small.     Florets  dissimilar;  the  lower  one  abortive  or  anther- 
ifero'is,    1 — 2-valved;   the  inferior  valve  resembling  in  texture  the 
glumes ;  superior  membranaceous.     Perfect  floret  with  cartilaginous 
valves,  unarmed. 

1 1  Spiked. 
*  With  an  involucrum. 

65.  SET  ARIA.     Spikelets  with  an  involucrum  of  2  or  more  bristles  at 
the  base.     Cal.  2-flowered  ;  glumes  unequal,  herbaceous.     Inferior 
floret  abortive,  1 — 2-valved,  herbaceous.     Superior  floret  perfect, 

with  cartilaginous  glumes. 


300  TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

*  *  Without  an  involucrum. 

66.  DIGITARIA.     Spikes  linear,  unilateral,  generally  digitate  01  fo»- 
ciculate.      Spikelets   by  pairs,  on  short  bifid  pedicels.     Cal     1 — 2- 
valved,  2-flowcred;  inferior   glume  often  inconspicuous.      Inferior 
Jioret  abortive,  1-valved,  herbaceous.     Superior  floret  perfect ;  valves 
coriaceous. 

67.  ANDROPOGON.     Spikelets  by  pairs,  polygamous;    the  inferior 
one  abortive,  (antheriferous  or  neuter,)  on  a  bearded  pedicel ;  glum. 
and  cor.  frequently  very  minute  or  wanting.     Superior  spikelet  ses- 
sile, 1 -flowered,  perfect ;  glumes  subcoriaceous ;  cor.  '<;-valved,  shorter 
than  the  calyx,  membranaceous ;  the  inferior  valve  generally  awned. 

68.  HORDEUM.     Spikelets  3  at  each  joint  of  the  rachis,  1-flowered, 
all  perfect,  or  the  lateral  ones  abortive.     Glum,  lateral,  subulate. — 
Perfect  Jl. :  Cor.  2-valved ;  inferior  valve  terminating  in  a  bristle, 
Seed  coated. 

TRIGYNIA. 

69.  MOLLUGO.     Cal.  5-leaved,  colored  within.     Cor.  0.     Capsule  3- 
celled,  3-valved. 

70.  LEG  HE  A.     Cal.  3-leaved.     Pet.  3.  Style  0;  stig.  plumose.     Caps. 
3-celled,  3-valved,  with  as  many  interior  valves  opposite  the  others; 
cells  1-seeded. 

71.  PROSERPINACA.     Cal.  superior,  3-parted,  persistent.     Cor.  0. 

Nut  bony,  triquetrous,  3-celled. 


TRIANDRIA. 

MONOGYNIA. 
Species.     16.  IRIS.     Flag.     Flower-de-luce. 

I.  versicolor:    flowers   beardless;    stem  terete,  more  or  less  flexuous; 

germen  somewhat  triangular  ;  leaves  ensiform. 

HAB.     In  water.     May— June.  7J..  Reot  large,  creeping;  2—3  ft. 
high  ;  Jl.  blue,  variegated  with  yell. 

17.  XYRIS.     Yellow-eyed  grass. 

X.  caroliniana :  leaves  linear,  grass-like ;  scape  ancipitous ;  head  ovate, 

rather  acute ;  scales  round. 

HAB.    Swamps,  and  wet  sandy  places.     July — Aug.  Tj..  /Scape  erect, 
simple,  1  ft.  high  ;  Jl.  yell,  in  a  small  scaly  head. 

18.  SISYRINCHIUM.     Blue-eyed  grass. 

S.  anceps:  scape  ancipitous,  winged,  simple,  nearly  leafless;  spathe 
about  4-flowered,  unequal,  shorter  than  the  flowers;  petals  mucro- 
nate. 

HAB.  In  wet  meadows.  May— June.  1+.  Stem  slender ;  leaves  grow 
like;  Jl.  small)  blue;  caps,  globose. 


TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  301 

19.    SCIRPUS.     Club-rush. 

*  Seed  surrounded  with  bristles  at  the  base. 

t  Style  articulated  to  the  seed  ;  base  dilated  and  persistent.     Seed  often 

lenticular.     Spike  solitary. 

S.  tennis :   culm  very  slender,  quadrangular ;  spike  elliptical,  acute  at 
each  end ;    glumes  ovate,   obtuse ;    stamens  3  ;   style  3-cleft ;  seed 
rugose 
HAB.  Wet  places.     July — Aug.  %..     Culm  naked,  8 — 12  in.  high  ; 

head  brown  ;  bristles  2 — 3,  sometimes  wanting. 

S.    palustris  :  culm  terete,   inflated  ;  spike   oblong-lanceolate ;    glumes 
somewhat  obtuse ;    seed  roundish,   punctate  and  rugose ;    bristles 
scabrous. 
HAB.  Wet  places.  June  7J..   Cespitose  ;  culm  I— 2ft.  high,  sheathed 

at  the  base,  leafless  ^  seed  crowned  with  a  conical  tubercle. 
S.  capitalus  :  stem  terete,  or  somewhat  compressed  ;  spike  ovate,  obtuse  ; 

seed  oval,  compressed,  smooth. 
HAB.     Wet  places.     July — Aug.    7|..     Cespitose ;  culm  attenuated 

below  the  spike  ;  spike  often  globose  ;  bristles  6. 

S.  acicularis  :  culm  setaceous,  quadrangular ;  spike  ovate,  acute,  3 — 6- 
flowered ;  glumes   somewhat  obtuse ;  stamens   3  ;  style  bifid  ;  seed 
obovate. 
HAB.  Border  of  ponds.     June — July.  1|..     Culm  almost  hair-like  ; 

inf.  glume  empty,  large  ;  seed  striate  ;  bristles  4. 

S.  intermedius  :  culms   cespitose,   quadrangular,   sulcate;  spike  ovate- 
oblong,  acute  ;  glumes  rather  acute ;   stamens  3  ;  style  2-cleft  ;  seed 
broad  obovate,  compressed  ;  tubercle  distinct. 
HAB.  Muddy  banks  of  rivers.     Sept.  7J..     Ascending  3—4  in.  high  ; 

bristles  6  ;  tubercle  very  minute. 

S.  planifolius  :  culm  triquetrous  ;  radical  leaves  flat ;  nearly  equalling 
the  culm ;  spike  terminal,  oblong,  compressed,  shorter  than  the  cus- 
pidate bracts  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Bogs  and  wet  woods.     May — June.    7]..     Cespitose ;  leaves 
carinate  ;  spike  6-fl.  yellowish  ;  inf.  glumes  very  large,  bracteiform. 

t  t  Style  filiform,  not  bearded,  deciduous. 

S.  americanus :  culm  nearly  naked,  triquetrous ;  sides  concave ;  spikes 
lateral,   (1 — 5,)   ovate,  conglomerate,   sessile;   glumes  round-ovate, 
mucronate  ;  seed  triquetrous,  acuminate. 
HAB.    In  salt  marshes,  and  on  the  banks  of  rivers.     July — Aug.  1L. 

Culm  3 — &ft.  high,  sometimes  leafy  at  base. 
S.  debilis  :    culms  cespitose,   deeply  striate  ;    spikes    about  3,    lateral, 

ovate,  sessile  ;  glumes,  ovate,  obtuse,  mucronate. 
HAB.  Borders  of  ponds.     Aug. — Sept.  Tj..     A foot  high  ;  leaves  few, 

subulate  ;  spikes  turgid  ;  seed  obovate  ;  bristles  4 — 5. 
S.  lacustris  :  culm  terete,   attenuated  above,  naked ;  panicle  subtermi- 

nal  ;  spikes  peduncled,  ovate. 

HAB.  Ponds  and  river  marshes.     June.  rl\..     Culm   4 — 8ft.  high, 
sheathed  at  the  base  ;  spike  subpaniclcd  ;  glum,  ovate,  subpubescent ; 
seed  obovate. 
S.  acutus  :  culm  terete,  (not  attenuated,)  spotted  ;  peduncles  numerous; 

sublateral  ;  spikes  oblong  ;    glumes  pubescent,  mucronate. 
HAB.  Ponds  and  wet  swamps.     June — July.  TJ..     Culm  4ft.  hight 
with  oblong  brown  spots  ;  panicle  proliferous  ;  glum,  dilated)  cari~ 
note. 


302  TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

S.  atrovirens :  culm  triangular,  leafy ;  cyme  terminal,  compound,  proli- 
ferous ;  involucrum  3-leaved ;  spikes  conglomerate,  ovate,  acute  • 
glumes  ovate,  mucronate,  pubescent. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.     June — July.  %.    Culm  obtusely  triang.  2ft. 
high  ;  involuc.  long  ;  spikes  dark  green,  in  heads  of  10 — 12. 

S.  brunneus :  culm  leafy,  obtusely  triangular ;  cyme  decompound  ;  in- 
volucrum 3 — 4-leaved ;  spike  round-ovate,  clustered  in  about  sixes ; 
glumes  ovate  obtuse. 

HAB.  In  water.     Aug.— Sept.  Ij..  Culm  2— 3  ft.  high;  leaves  long; 
spike  brown  ;  seed  longer  than  the  bristles. 

S.  macrostachyos  :   culm  triquetrous,  leafy  ;   corymb  clustered ;   involu- 
crum about  3-leaved,  very  long;  spikes  oblong;  glumes  ovate,  3- 
clefl ;  the  middle  segment  subulate  and  reflexed  ;  style  3-cleft. 
HAB.  In  salt  marshes  and  ditches.     July— Aug.  1J..     Culm  3 — iff. 
high  ;  spikes  6 — 10,  very  large. 

t  t  t  Style  filiform,  deciduous.     Bristles  much  longer  than  the  seed. 

S.  Eriophorum :  culm  obtusely  triangular,  leafy ;  panicle  decompound, 
proliferous,  nodding ;  spikes  all  pedunculate ;  bristles  surrounding 
the  seed  exserted. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  1J..   Culm  4 — 5  feet  high  ;  involuc.  leafy,  very 
long  ;  panic,  much  divided ;  spikes  small,  ovate,  woolly  when  ripe 

*  *  Seed  naked  at  the  base. 
t    Style  simple  at  the  base,  not  articulated  to  the  seed,  deciduous. 

S.  capillaris :  culm  nearly  naked,  triquetrous,  capillary  ;  spikes  ovate ; 

2-3  of  them  pedunculate,  with  an  intermediate  sessile  one. 
HAB.  Sandy  fields.    Aug.    <v)  1    A  span  high,  cespitose  ;  leaves  seta- 
ceous, short,  serrulate  ;  spikes  brownish,  subumbellate. 
S.  autumnalis :  culm  compressed,  ancipitous ;  umbel  compound  ;  invo- 
lucrum 2-leaved  ;  spikes  lanceolate,  acute,  somewhat  4-sided. 
HAB.  Boggy  grounds.    July — Oct.  7J..  Culm  8-12  in.  high ;   leaves 
long  ;  umbel  loose  ;  glumes  ovate,  mucronate,  carinate. 

20.  SCHCENUS.     Bog-rush. 

S.  mariscoides :  culm  terete,  or  a  little  sulcate,  leafy  ;  leaves  channelled, 
semiterete ;  umbel  terminal ;  fascicles  of  spikes  three  on  each  peduncle  ; 
seed  naked,  rounded  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Bogs.     July.  %.     Culm  2  feet  high  ;  fascic.  about  12-spiked  ; 
spikelets  lanceolate  ;  glume  ovate. 

81.  RHYNCHOSPORA. 

R.  alba :  spikes  in  corymbose  fascicles ;  culm  triangular  above ;  leaves 

setaceous ;  seed  somewhat  lenticular  ;  bristles  about  10. 
HAB.  Bogs  and  swamps.    July — Sept.  7J..  Fasc.  axil,  and  terminal, 

bracteate  ;  glum,  white  ;  seed  substipitate. 

R.  glomerata :  spikes  in  corymbose  fascicles,  very  distant,  by  pairs  ; 
culm  obtusely  triangular ;  leaves  flat ;  seed  obovate-cuneiform,  very 
smooth,  as  long  as  the  tubercle. 

HAB.    Swamps  and  bogs.     July — Sept.     Culm  leafy  ;  leaves  cari- 
nate;  spik.  at.  and  term.  ;  glum,  brown. 


TRIANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  303 

22.  MARISCUS. 

M.  rctrofractus :  umbel  simple ;  rays  long ;  spikes  obovate,  retrorsely 
imbricate ;  spikelets  sublunate,  at  length  bent  backward ;  involii- 
crum  3-leaved. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.     Aug. — Sept.  1\..     Culm  nearly  naked,  pubes- 
cent ;  umb.  6 — 8  rayed. 

23.   DULICHIUM. 

D.  spathaceum :  culm  terete ;   leaves  spreading  in  3  directions ;  spikelets 

spreading. 

HAB.    Wet  places.     Aug. — Sept.  7j.     Culm  very  leafy,  terete  be- 
low ;  achrecR  cylind.  ;  racemes  axillary. 

24.    CYPERUS.     Cyprus-grass. 

C.  inflexus :  umbel  2 — 3  rayed,  or  conglomerate  and  simple ;  involucrum 
3-leaved,  very  long ;  spikelets  collected  into  ovate  heads,  oblong,  8- 
flowered  ;  glumes  squarrose  at  the  tip. 

HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.     Aug. — Sept.    $1    2— -3  inches  high ';  odor- 
ous ;  heads  many-Jl.  ;  glum,  striate,  yellowish. 

C.  Jlavescens :  spikes  linear-lanceolate,  in  fascicles  of  3 — 4  ;  glumes  ob- 
tuse ;  style  2-cleft;  seed  lenticular;  involucrum  3-leaved,  longer 
than  the  spikes. 

HAB.  Boggy  grounds.     Aug. — Sept.  *2J..     A  span  high ;  spikelets  14 
— 20-^.,  yellowish. 

C.  Nuttallii:  culm  acutely  triangular ;  umbel  radiate,  or  nearly  sessile, 
loose ;  rays  short ;  involucrum  4-leaved  ;  2  of  the  leaves  very  long  ; 
spikelets  linear-lanceolate,  compressed,  acute ;  stamens  2  ;  style  2- 
cleft  ;  seed  oblong,  obtuse,  compressed. 

HAB.  Borders  of  salt  marshes.     Aug. — Sept.   7|.  ;    cespitose,   5 — 12 
in.  high  ;  spik.  very  acute  ;  glum,  green  and  brown  ;  seed  smooth. 

C.  diandrus :  culm  slender,  obtusely  triangular ;  umbel  sessile,  or  1 — 2- 
rayed  ;  involucrum  3-leaved  ;  2  of  the  leaves  much  longer  than  the 
umbel ;  spikelets  lanceolate-oblong,  much  compressed,  many-flower- 
ed (14 — 16 ;)  glumes  margined,  rather  acute,  keeled ;  stamens  2  ; 
style  2-cleft  ;  seed  oval,  compressed. 

HAB.  Salt  marshes.     Sept.    Tj. ;    culm  weak,  not  cespitose  ;  glume 
much  compressed,  with  a  brown  margin. 

O.  dentatus:  umbel  compound,  (6— 10  rayed  ;)  involucrum  3-leaved,  lon- 
ger than  the  umbel ;  spikelets  3  on  each  ray,  alternate,  ovate,  com- 
pressed, 8-flowered  ;  glumes  acute,  nervose,  spreading  at  the  points  ; 
seed  triquetrous. 

HAB.  Banks  of  rivers  and  sandy  swamps.     Sept.  Tj. ;  root  tub. ;  spik 
appearing  dentate,  brownish  ;  sometimes  viviparous. 

25.  ERIOPHORUM.     Cotton-grass. 

*  Spike  solitary. 

E.  vaginatum:  culm  terete  below,  obtusely  triangular  above,   smootn 

and  rigid  ;  sheaths  inflated  ;   spike  oblong-ovate  ;   glumes  scarious  ; 
wool  straight,  dense. 

HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.     July.    1\.  ;  cespitose,  afoot  high ;  leaver 
numerous  ;  glumes  livid  ;  wool  white. 
27 


304 


TRIANDR1A DIGYNIA. 


Spikes  numerous. 


E.  poi  yst  achy  on :  leaves  flat,  triquetrous  at  the  extremity ;    culm  nearly 

terete ;  spikes  on  scabrous  peduncles,  nodding. 
HAB.  Swamps.     July,    7J.;  culm  1 — 2 feet  high,  leafy ;  leaves  very 

long  ;  spik.  9 — 12,  subterminate  ;  wool  -white  or  reddish. 
E.  virginicum :    culm  nearly  terete  below,  obtusely  triangular  above ; 

leaves  flat,  very  long ;  spikes  clustered,  erect,  nearly  sessile  ;  involu- 

crum  2 — 3-leaved. 

HAB.  Swamps.     July.     Culm  2 — 4  feet  high  ;  spikes  ovate,  some- 
what umbelled ;  wool  reddish. 

b.  gracile :  culm  very  slender  ;  leaves  almost  filiform. 
HAB.  Cedar  swamps.     Aug. 
E.  angustifolium :  culm  somewhat  triangular ;   leaves  channelled  and 

triquetrous ;  peduncles  very  smooth. 
HAB.  AVet  meadows,  1|. ;  afoot  or  more  high  ;  leaves  very  narrow  ' 

spikes  3 — 5  ;  wool  white. 

26.  SPARTINA.     Marsh-grass. 

S.  cynosuroides :    spikes    numerous,   (10 — 40,)    pedunculate,    panicled, 
spreading ;  leaves  broad,  flat,  at  length  convolute ;  calyx  with  a  short 
awn  on  one  of  the  glumes ;  style  2-cleft  at  the  summit. 
HAB.  Salt  marshes.     Aug.  ^ ;  4— 9  feet  high  ;  leaves  2— 4  feet  long  ; 

Jl.  closely  imbricate  ;  style  bifid. 
8.  juncea  :   leaves  distichous,   convolute,  spreading ;   spikes   few,  1 — 3, 

pedunculate ;  peduncles  smooth ;  corolla  rather  obtuse ;  styles  2. 
HAB.    Sea  coast,  and  salt  marshes.     July — Aug.  %;  root  creeping  ; 
culm  18  inches  high,  slender,  rigid  ;  calyx  very  unequal ;  anther 
purple. 

S.  glabra :  leaves  concave,  erect ;  spikes  alternate,  sessile,  erect,  ap- 
pressed ;  corolla  nearly  smooth  on  the  keel ;  style  cleft  about  half  way 
down. 

HAB.  Borders  of  salt  marshes.  Aug. — Sept.  1\.;  very  smooth,  3 — 5 
feet  high  ;  spikes  8 — 14  ;  anthers  yellow. 

27.  ORYZOPSIS. 

O.  asperifolia :  culm  nearly  naked ;  leaves  erect,  rigid,  pungent  at  the 

point ;  flowers  in  a  racemose  panicle. 

HAB.  Mountain  meadows.  April — May,  1\.  ;  culm  18  inches  high  ; 
radical  leaves  long  ;  culm  leaves  few,  very  short ;  panicles  very 
simple  ;  corolla  white,  hairy  ;  seed  large,  white. 


DIGYNIA. 
28.  LEERSIA.     Rice-grass. 

JLi.  virginica:  panicle  simple;  the  lower  branches  diffuse;  flowers 
appressed,  monandrous,  sparingly  ciliate  on  the  keel. 

HAB.  Wet  woods  and  swamps.  August,  ty;  culm  2 — 4  feet  high, 
genicul  ;  sheaths  scabr. ;  Jlowers  clasping  the  pedicels,  punctate. 


TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA.  305 

L.  oryzoides :  panicle  diffuse,  sheathed  at  the  base ;  flowers  triandrou*, 

spreading ;  keel  of  the  glumes  conspicuously  ciliate. 
HAB.    Ditches  and  swamps.  August — September.  7J.;     Culm  3 — 5 
feet  high  ;  leaves  and  sheaths  very  scabr.  ;  Jl.  whitish. 

29.  PASPALUM. 

P.  ciliatifolium :  culm  decumbent;  leaves  hairy  and  ciliate;  sheath 
hairy ;  spikes  1 — 2,  rather  loose,  indistinctly  3-rowed. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  September  % ;  A  foot  and  a  half  long,  simple ; 
term,  spikes  on  a  long  pedunc.  ;  Jlower  plano-convex,  on  bifid  pedi- 
cels ;  rack,  reflex. 

P.  setaceum :  culm  erect ; '  leaves  and  sheaths  villose ;  spikes  generally 
solitary ;  flowers  in  2  rows. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  September  7].;  culm  1— 2  feet  high,  simple: 
rachis  convex  on  the  back. 

30.  MILIUM.     Millet-grass. 

M.  pungens :  culm  erect ;  leaves  lanceolate,  very  short,  pungent,  at 
length  involute ;  panicle  contracted ;  branches  generally  by  pairs,  2- 
flowered ;  flowers  awnless,  ovate ;  corolla  hairy. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  May  Tj.;  12 — 18  inches  high,  rigid;  culm  leaves 
very  short  ;  panicles  few  Jlowers  ;  style  ^parted  ;  nectary  lanceo- 
late. 

31.  PIPTATHERUM. 

P.nigrum:  panicle  simple ;  flowers  racemose,  ovate-lanceolate ;  corolla 
black,  hairy ;  awn  as  long  again  as  the  valves. 

HAB.  Mountains  and  rocky  places.  August.  Tj. ;  Culm  2 — 3  feet 
high,  leafy  ;  panicles  few-Jlowered,  Jlexuous  ;  nect.  ovate-lanceo- 
late. 

32.  STIPA.     Feather-grass. 

S.  avenacea :  leaves  setaceous ;  panicle  spreading,  somewhat  secund ; 

branches  mostly  by  pairs,  a  little  divided;  calyx  as  long  as  the  seed, 

awn  naked. 
HAB.  Sandy  woods.  June,  flj.;  2  feet  high;  leaves  mostly  radical, 

narrow  ;  corolla  stipit.  brownish  ;  awn  2 — 3  inches  long. 

33.  ARISTIDA. 

A.  dichotoma:  cespitose;  culm  dichotomous;  flowers  racemose-spiked; 
lateral  awns  very  short ;  the  intermediate  one  contorted. 

HAB.  Fields  and  dry  hills.  September.  ©  ;  8—12  inches  high,  slen- 
der ;  corolla  \-valved  ;  lat.  awns  straight. 

A.  purpurascens :  culm  filiform,  erect,  simple ;  leaves  very  narrow,  flat ; 
flowers  in  a  long  spiked  panicle ;  awns  nearly  equal,  twice  the  length 
of  the  corolla,  divaricate. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields  and  woods.  September—  October.  Qj. ;  2  feet  high, 
leaves  filiform  at  the  extremity  ;  panicles  many-lowered,  purple. 

34.  MUHLENBERGIA. 

M.  diffusa:  culm  diffuse,  (decumbent;)  leaves  linear-lanceolate ;  pan- 
icle branched,  appressed ;  awns  as  long  as  the  corolla. 


306  TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 

BAB.  Dry  hills  and  fields.  August— September.  7J. ;  Culm  genie , 
flender  ;  panicles  lateral  and  terminal ;  calyx  scarcely  appaj  ent. 

35.  TRICHODIUM. 

T.  laxjliorum:    culm  erect;  leaves  setaceous,  and  with  the  sheaths 

somewhat  scabrous;    panicle  diffuse,   capillary,   with  trichotomous 

branches ;  calyx  unequal. 
HAB.  Dry  swamps  and  fields.  May — June.  Tj.;  A  foot  and  a  half 

high,  Jilif.  ;  panicles  at  length  piramidal,  purplish. 
T.  scabrum :  culm  geniculate  at  the  base,  assurgent,  branched ;  leaves 

linear-lanceolate,   flat,   striate,   scabrous ;    sheaths   mostly   smooth ; 

panicles  verticillate   and  divaricate;   calyx   unequal;  corolla  ovate, 

acute,  3-nerved. 
HAB.  Dry  woods.    August— September.   7J.;    12—18  inches  high; 

leaves  broad,  pale  green  ;  panicles  concealed  at  the  base. 

36.  AGROSTIS.     Meadow-grass. 

A.  vulgar  is :  branches  of  the  panicle  smoothish,  at  length  divaricate ; 
inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  3-nerved;  stipule,  very  short  and 
truncate. 

HAB.  Meadows  and  pastures.  June — August.  Tj.;  Root  creeping; 
culm  12 — 18  inches  high  ;  panicles  capillary  ;  flower  purple. 

A.  alba :  branches  of  the  panicle  hispid,  spreading,  loose ;  inferior 
valve  of  the  corolla  5-nerved ;  stipule  oblong. 

HAB.  Fields  and  pastures.  June — August,  ip;  Root  creeping ;  culm 
assurgent,  often  sobolif.  ;  panicle  capillary. 

A.  lateriflora :  culm  erect,  branched  above,  soboliferous  at  the  base ; 
panicles  lateral  and  terminal,  contracted,  dense ;  calyx  acuminate ; 
corolla  shorter  than  the  calyx,  equal,  pubescent  at  the  base,  awn- 
less. 

HAB.  Swamps  and  wet  meadows.  August — September.  7J.;  Root 
creeping ;  culm  2  feet  high,  with  swelling  nodes  ;  panicles  spike- 
form. 

A.  virginica:  culms  numerous,  procumbent  at  the  base,  assurgent; 
leaves  subdistichous,  involute,  rigid;  panicles  lateral  and  terminal, 
spike-form ;  the  lateral  ones  concealed ;  calyx  equal,  about  as  long  as 
the  corolla. 

HAB.  Sandy  soils.  September — October.  <v)  ?  A  foot  high;  leaves 
hairy  at  base  ;  sheaths  swelled ;  stip.  0;  anther  purple. 

37.  CINNA. 

C.  arundinacea:  panicle  large,  capillary,  loose;  leaves  broad-linear; 

culm  smooth. 
HAB.  Swamps  and  wet  woods.     Aug. — Sept.  9J. ;  Culm  2 — 5  feet 

high  ;  leaves  pale  green ;  flower  green. 

38.  POLYPOGON. 

P.  racemose:  panicle  dense,  conglomerate,  interrupted;    bristles  of 

the  calyA    scabrous;    corolla  unarmed,   hairy  at  the  base;    culm 

branched. 
HAB.    Bog-meadows.     August— September.     QJ.;     Culm   3— 4  feet 

high,  compressed;  branches  oppressed;  leaves  fiat;  panicles  two 

inches  long. 


TRIANDRIA DYGINIA.  307 

39.  TRICHOCHLOA. 

T.  capillaris :  leaves  convolute,  filiform,  smooth ;  panicle  diffuse,  ca- 
pillary, very  slender;  pedicels  longer  than  the  awns;  awns  3 — 4 
times  the  length  of  the  flower. 

HAB.  Sandy  pine  woods.  Sept.— Oct.  *2|. ;  Cespitose,  2  feet  high, 
slender  ;  panicles  long,  purple,  very  slender. 

40.  ARUNDO. 

A.  canadensis :  panicle  oblong,  loose ;  glumes  scabrous,  pubescent,  as 
long  as  the  corolla ;  corolla  awned  on  the  back ;  hairs  at  the  base 
equalling  the  valves ;  culm  and  leaves  smooth. 

HAB.  Bog-meadows.  Aug.  1\.\  culmo — 4=  feet  high,  mostly  simple; 
inf.  sheaths  pubesc.  ;  panicle  purple. 

41.  PSAMMA. 

P.  arenaria  :  panicle  spiked ;  calyx  acute ;  corolla  three  times  as  lony 

as  the  pappus ;  leaves  involute. 
HAB.  Sea-coast.     Aug.  7].;  roots  long,  creeping;   culm  2 — 3  feet 

high,  rigid  ;  pan.  cylindrical,  white  ;  flowers  compress. 

42.  ALOPECURUS.     Fox-tail  grass. 

A.  pratensis :  culm  erect,  smooth ;  spike  cylindrical,  obtuse,  lobed ;  calyx 

ciliate,  somewhat  villose,  connate  below  the  middle ;  corolla  as  long 

as  the  calyx. 
HAB.  Fields.     June— July.  1^;  culm  2—  4  feet  high;  leaves  flat ; 

spik.  1£  inches  long  ;  awn  twice  as  long  as  the  flower  ;  styl.  connate. 
A.  geniculatus :  culm  ascending,  geniculate ;  spike  cylindrical ;  glumes 

a  little  connate  at  the  base,  hairy  on  the  back  and  margin ;  corolla 

truncate ;  styles  free. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June.  %;  root  creeping  ;  culm  18  inches  high, 

rooting  below  ;  awn  as  long  again  as  the  corolla. 

43.  PHLEUM.     Cat's-tail  grass. 

P.  pratense :  spike  cylindric,  calyx  mucronate  awned ;  keel  ciliate ;  awn 

shorter  than  the  calyx ;  culm  erect. 
HAB.  Fields  and  pastures.     June — Aug.  %  ;  culm  2 — 3  feet  high; 

leaves  glauc.,  smooth  ;  anthers  purple. 

44.  PHALARIS.     Canary-grass. 

P.  americana:  panicle   oblong,  spiked;  glumes  boat-shaped,   serrulate; 

corolla  unequal ;  rudiments  hairy. 
HAB.  Bog-meadows.     July.  Tj.;  culm  2 — 5  feet  high,  terete  ;  'leaves 

broad-linear ;  panicle  a  little  spreading  when  old. 
P.  canariensis:  panicle  sub-spiked,  ovate;  calyx  boat-shaped,  entire  at 

the  apex ;  rudiments  smooth. 
HAB.  Pastures.     July.  <v) ;  18  inches  high  ;  bheatks  inflated. 

45.    ANTHOXANTHUM.     Sweet-scented  vernal-grass. 

A.   odoratum:    spike  ovate-oblong;    flowers  pubescent,  subpeduncled, 
shorter  than  their  awns. 
27* 


308  TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA. 

HAB.  Meadows,  dry  woods,  &c.  May — Aug.  1\.;  afoot  high, 
leaves  pubescent ;  pan.  spiked  ;  seed  black. 

46.  BRACHYELYTRUM. 

B.  aristatum. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  June — July,  7J.;  root  creeping  ;  culm  erect,  sim- 
ple, 2 — 3  feet  high  ;  panicle  racemose  ;  awns  twice  as  long  as  the  Jl. 

47.  PHRAGMITES.     Reed-grass. 

P.  commnnis :  calyx  about  5-flowered ;  florets  longer  than  the  calyx. 
HAB.    Borders  of  ponds  and  swamps.     Aug.  7|_;  culm  6 — 12  feet 
high,  thick  leaves  1 — 2  inches  broad;  panicle  large,  nodding  ;  flower 
silky. 

48.  GLYCERIA. 

G.  Jluitans :  panicles  secund,  slightly  branched ;  spikelets  linear,  terete, 

appressed,  8 — 12-flowered ;    florets   very   obtuse,   7-nerved ;    leaves 

long,  flat. 
HAB.  In   water.     June — July,   QJ.;  root  creeping;   culm  3 — 5  feet 

high,  compress.,  assurg.  ;  panicle  long,  racemose. 
G.   acutiflora :    panicle   simple,   elongated,   appressed ;    spikelets  linear, 

terete,  4 — 12-flowered ;  florets  attenuate,  acute,  indistinctly  nerved  ; 

leaves  short,  erect. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June ;  culm  2 — \fect  high,  subcompres. ;  stip. 

elongate  ;  panicle  long,  concealed  at  the  base. 

49.  UNIOLA.'     Spike-grass. 

U.  spicata:  panicle  spiked,  straight;  leaves  involute,  distichous,  spread- 
ing ;  spikelets  5 — 9-flowered ;  florets  triandrous. 

HAB.  Salt-marshes,  and  on  the  sea-coast.  Aug. — Sept.  7j_;  root 
long,  creeping;  culm  12 — 18  inches  high;  spik.  ovate,  yellowish 
green  ;  nectary  obovate,  minute. 

50.  BRIZA.     Quaking-grass. 

B.  media :  panicle  erect ;  spikelets  at  length  cordate,  about  7-flowered ; 

calyx  smaller  than  the  florets. 

HAB.  Meadows.  May,  Tj.;  culm  18  inches  high;  stip.  obtuse  ;  pan- 
icle capillary  ;  spik.  tumid,  purplish  ;  cor.  nerveless. 

51.  PGA.     Meadow-grass. 

P.   annua :   panicle  subsecund,   divaricate ;     spikelets   ovate-oblong,  5- 

flowered ;  florets  free ;  culm  oblique,  compressed ;  root  fibrous. 
HAB.  Fields,  pastures,  &c.     April — Aug.  <2> ;  cespitose ;  6 — 8  inches 

long ;  panicle  rather  crowded,  at  length  spreading  ;  corolla  pub&3- 

cent,  5-nerved. 
P.    aquatica    b.   americana:    panicle    erect,    semi-verticillate,   diffuse; 

branches   flexuous,  smooth;  spikelets  linear,  6 — 8-flowered;  florets 

ovate,  obtuse,  free ;  leaves  broad  linear,  and  as  well  as  the  sheaths, 

smooth. 
HAB.  Wet   meadows.     Aug.  1\. ;   culm  4 — 5,  thick,  leafy ;  panicle 

very  large,  at  first  nodding ;  spik.  purp. 


TRIANPRIA DYGINIA.  309 

P.  pratensis:  panicle  diffuse;  upper  leaves  much  shorter  than  the 
smooth  sheaths  ;  florets  acute,  5-nerved,  webbed  at  the  base  ;  stipule 
short,  truncate ;  root  creeping. 

HAB.  Meadows  and  pastures.     May — July,  1|. ;  panicle  pyramid. ; 

spik.  ovate  ;  glum,  unequal. 

P.  trivialis :  panicle  equal,  diffuse,  spikelets  oblong-ovate,  about  3- 
flowered ;  florets  webbed  at  the  base,  5-nerved ;  culm  sheaths  rough- 
ish ;  stipule  oblong  ;  root  creeping. 

HAB.  Moist  meadows.     June — Aug. 'I].;  culm  2 — 3  feet  high,  stolo- 

nif.  ;  panicle  pyramidal ;  stipule  elongated. 

P.  compressa :  panicle  contracted,  somewhat  secund ;  spikelets  oblong, 
3 — 6-flowered ;  florets  webbed ;  glumes  .nearly  equal ;  culm  oblique, 
compressed ;  root  creeping. 

HAB.  Fields  and  dry  hills.  June — July,  1}.;  culm  afoot  high,  as- 
surgent ;  leaves  glauc.  ;  panicle  sub-spiked. 

b.  sylvestris  :  panicle  loose,  spreading  ;  spikelets  2 — 3-flowered ;  culm 
slender,  nearly  erect. 

HAB.  In  dry  woods.     July. 

P.  serotina:  panicle  elongated,  diffuse,  at  length  somewhat  secund; 
spikelets  ovate-lanceolate,  2 — 3-flowered;  florets  a  little  webbed  at 
the  base,  yellow  at  the  tip,  obscurely  5-nerved  ;  root  creeping. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.     June,  1].;  culm  2 — 4  feet  high;  panicle  op- 
press, -when  young  ;  calyx  often  2-Jlowered  ;    anther  yellow. 
P.  nemoralis :    panicle  attenuated,  weak ;  branches  flexuous ;    spikeleta 
ovate,  about  3-flowered ;  florets  loose,  slightly  webbed,  acute,  obso- 
letely  nerved ;   stipule  almost  wanting. 

HAB.    Rocky  woods.      July,    If. ;  pale  green;   panicle  capillary; 

Jlorets  at  length  distant. 

P.  nervata :  panicle  equal,  diffuse ;  branches  weak,  and  at  length  pen- 
dulous ;  spikelets  5-flowered ;  florets  free,  conspicuously  7-nerved, 
obtuse. 

HAB.  In  wet  meadows  and  in  ditches.  June,  1|- ;  culm  3 — 4  feet 
high  ;  panicle  large,  many-flowered  ;  spik.  ovate  ;  flowers  decidu- 
ous ;  stamens  mostly  2. 

P.  elongata  :  panicle  elongated,  racemose  ;  branches  solitary,  appressed  ; 
spikelets  ovate,  obtuse,  tumid,  3-flowered;  florets  free;  stipule  al- 
most wanting. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.     June — July,  1L ;  culm  3  feet  high,  dark  green  ; 

panicles  nodding  ;  flower  5-ncrved. 

P.  canadensis :  panicle  large,  effuse ;  spikelets  semi-verticillate,  flexu- 
ous, at  length  pendulous ;  spikelets  ovate,  tumid,  5 — 8-flowered  ; 
florets  free ;  inferior  valve  somewhat  acute,  7-nerved  ;  superior  valve 
very  obtuse  ;  stamens  2. 

HAB.  Swamps.  July — Aug.  ^5  culm  3 — 4  feet  high;  leaves  long; 
panicle  atflrst  pyramidal,  at  length  much  spreading  and  pendu- 
lous. 

P.  hirsuta :  culm  erect,  compressed,  simple ;  sheaths  hairy ;  panicle 
very  large,  capillary ;  branches  expanding,  at  length  reflexed, 
bearded  in  the  axils ;  spikelets  oblong,  about  5-flowered ;  corolla 
ciliate  on  the  margin. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  July — Aug.  Tj. ;  culm  flrm,  straight ;  leaves 
longer  than  the  culm  ;  floicer  purplish. 

b.  spectabilis :  spikelets  linear,  10 — 15-flowered. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields  on  the  sea-shore.  Taller  than  the  preceding; 
spik.  purple,  i  inch  long. 


310  TRIANDRIA DYGINIA. 

52.  KGELERIA. 

1C.  truncata :  leaves  flat,  smooth;  panicle  oblong,  racemose;  calyx  2- 
flowered,  with  a  third  abortive  floret,  unequal;  interior  glume  a 
little  scabrous,  obtuse ;  corolla  glabrous. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  June.  1\  ;  culm  Qfeet  high,  slender ;  calyx  very 
unequal ;  inferior  glume  obliquely  truncate. 

53.  FESTUCA.     Fescue-grass. 

F.  tenella :  panicle  spiked,  very  simple,  secund ;  spikelets  mostly  9 
flowered ;  bristles  shorter  than  the  subulate  florets ;  culm  filiform 
angular  above ;  leaves  setaceous. 

HAB.  Sandy  soils  and  on  hills.  June,  <v) ;  culms  numerous,  8 — 14 
inches  high,  straight  ;  sheaths  pubescent  ;  calyx  decid. 

F.  elatior :  panicle  spreading,  much  branched,  loose ;  spikelets  ovate 
lanceolate,  4 — 5  flowered;  florets  slightly  armed;  leaves  flat;  root 
creeping. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June,  7J.  ;  culm  3 — 4  feet  high,  terete, 
smooth ;  stip.  very  short ;  panicle  large,  nodding  when  old. 

F.  pratensis:  panicle  spreading,  branched;  spikelets  linear,  many- 
flowered,  acute  ;  leaves  linear ;  root  fibrous. 

HAB.  Meadows  and  fields.  June— July,  1J.;  culm  1— 2 feet  high, 
erect,  smooth  ;  panicle  subsecund,  nearly  simple  ;  spic.  7 — S-Jlowered  ; 
Jloioer  not  mucronate. 

F.  nutans :  panicle  diffuse,  at  length  nodding ;  branches  long  gemin- 
ate, naked  below  ;  spikelets  ovate,  3 — 5-flowered ;  florets  somewhat 
obtuse,  unarmed,  nerveless. 

HAB.  Woods  and  shaded  rocky  places.  June,  7|. ;  culm  3  feet  high, 
dark  green  ;  stip.  very  short  ;  panicles  few-Jlowers,  scabrous  ;  cor- 
olla coriaceous. 

54.  DACTYLIS.     Orchard-grass. 

D.  glomerata  :  panicle  secund,  glomerate ;  leaves  carinate. 

HAB.  Fields,  meadows,  &c.  May— June,  3J. ;  culm  2— 3 feet  high; 
panicle  contracted,  glume  strongly  ciliate. 

55   DANTHONIA. 

D.  spicata :  panicle  simple,  appressed  ;  spikelets  7 — 9,  about  7-flower- 
ed ;  inferior  valve  of  the  corolla  hairy ;  leaves  subulate ;  lower 
sheaths  hairy  at  the  throat. 

HAB.  Dry  woods  and  sandy  fields.  June — July,  'Zj. ;  culm  cespilose, 
18  inches  2  feet  high  ;  leaves  hairy  above  ;  pan.  spiked. 

56.  TRISETUM. 

T.  palustre :  panicle  contracted,  nodding,  somewhat  verticillate ;  calyx 
2 — 3-flowered  ;  florets  smooth,  acuminate ;  the  inferior  one  awnless ; 
inferior  valve  of  the  superior  floret  bicuspidate,  awned  below  the 
tip. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June— July,  Tj.;  Culm  1— 2 feet  high,  erect; 
leaves  flat,  smooth  :  panicle  few-Jlowered,  pale  green. 

57.  BROMUS.     Brome-grass. 
B.  secalinus ;    panicle  spreading,  a  little  branched;    spikelets  oblong- 


TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA.  311 

ovate,  compressed ;  florets  about  ten,  distinct,  rather  remote,  lon^ei 

than  the  flexuous  bristles,  leaves  somewhat  hairy. 
HAB.  Cultivated  grounds.     June,  <v)  ;    culm  2— -3 feet  high;  node* 

sicelled  and  pubescent;  leaves  dark  green  ;  panicle  ovate,  flat  when 

old. 
B.  ciliatus  ;  panicle  nodding  ;  spikelets  oblong,  terete,  8 — 10-flowered  ; 

glumes  acute,  (not  mucronate,)  ciliate  ;  corolla  hairy ;  margin  villoae- 

ly  ciliate ;  bristle  short. 
HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.     June,  1\. ;    culm  3  feet  high,  pubescent  at 

the  joints  ;  leaves  pale  green,  hairy  both  sides  ;  pan.  with  two  bracts 

at  base. 
B.  pubescens ;  panicle  at  length  nodding ;  spikelets  lanceolate,  terete ; 

florets  pubescent ;  leaves  and  lower  sheaths  pubescent. 
HAB.    Woods.      June,  1{- ;  culm  4  feet  high,  hairy  below ;   leaves 

smooth  beneath. 

58.  AIRA.     Hair-grass. 

A.  flexuosa :  panicle   spreading,   trichotomous ;    branches   flexuous ; 

calyx  a  little  shorter  than  the  florets,  and  about  the  length  of  the  awn ; 

leaves  setaceous ;  culm  nearly  naked. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills.     June,  Q\. ;  culm  H — 2  feet  high;  leaves  mostly 

radical ;  panicle  capillary,  cor.  hairy  at  base. 

59.  LOLIUM.     Darnel. 

L.  perenne :  florets  much  longer  than  the  calyx,  unarmed,  linear  ob- 

lorig,  compressed ;  root  perennial. 
HAB.    Meadows  and  road-sides.     May — June,    1J. ;   root  creeping ; 

culm  18  inches  high,  erect ;  leaves  smooth  ;  spike  6  inch,  long ;  rach. 

flexuous. 

60.  ELEUSINE. 

E.  indica:  spikes  straight,  erect,  in  pairs  or  quarternate;  rachis 
linear;  spikelets  lanceolate,  about  5-flowered;  culm  compressed,  de- 
clined. 

HAB.  Cultivated  grounds,  and  road-sides.  July — November,  (v)  ; 
culm  8 — 12  inches  high, ;  leaves  distichous  ;  spikes  generally  in  pairs  ; 
rach.  compressed. 

61.  AGROPYRON. 

A.  repens :  spikelets  oblong,  5-flowered ;  glumes  subulate,  many  nerv- 
ed ;  florets  acuminate ;  leaves  flat,  root  creeping. 

HAB,  Fields  and  cultivated  grounds.  July,  1\.]  root  articulate, 
white,  very  long ;  culm  2  feet  high  ;  flower  sometimes  with  a  short 
bristle. 

62.  ELYMUS.     Lyme-grass. 

E.  mrginicus:  spike  erect,  coarctate;  spikelets  in  pairs,  2 — 3-flower- 

ed :    florets  smooth ;  glumes  lanceolate,  nerved. 
HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.     July— August,  1\. ;  culm  3—4  feet  high  ; 

leaves  bright  green  ;  spikes  stiffly  erect. 


312  TRIANDRIA DYGINIA. 

E.  canadensis :  spike  nodding  at  the  extremity,  patulous ;  spikelets  3 
- -5-flowered ;  florets  hairy;  glumes  linear-lanceolate. 

HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.  August,  9].;  root  creeping,-  culm  3 — ifeet 
high;  leaves  dark  green;  spikes  generally  pendulous  at  the  ex- 
tremity. 

b.  glaucifolius:  leaves  glaucous. 

HAB.  Rocky  shores.     August. 

E.  hystrlv :  spike  erect ;  spikelets  diverging ;  calyx  0. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  July,  Tj.;  culm  3  feet  high  ;  leaves  often  glauc. 
rach.  Jlexuous  ;  spikes  3  at  each  joint ;  calyx  sometimes  1 — %-leaved, 
or  a  rudiment. 

63.  ATHEROPOGON. 

A.  apludoides  :  spikes  racemose,  distant,  pendulous ;  perfect  floret  with 

the  inferior  valve  tricuspidate ;  lateral  bristles  of  the  abortive  floret 

half  the  length  of  the  terminal  one. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills.     August,  94.  ;  culm  18  inches  high,  assurgent ; 

leaves  at  length  involute;  spikes  20 — 40,   oblong,  sessile;  anther 

red. 

64.  PANICUM.     Panic-grass. 

P.  crus  galli :  racemes  alternate  and  in  pairs,  compound ;  rachis  5- 
angled ;  glumes  terminating  in  hispid  bristles ;  sheaths  glabrous. 

HAB.  Along  ditches  and  in  cultivated  grounds.  August — September, 
<v)  ;  culm  2 — 4  feet  high;  leaves  broad  and  flat;  panicles  dense  ; 
bristles  sometimes  wanting. 

P.  latifolium :  culm  mostly  simple,  bearded  at  the  joints ;  leaves  ob- 
long-lanceolate, smooth,  or  with  the  sheaths,  somewhat  pubescent; 
panicle  terminal,  a  little  exsert,  simple,  pubescent ;  spikelets  oblong- 
ovate  ;  abortive  floret  antheriferous,  2-vaIved ;  superior  valve  sub- 
herbaceous,  nearly  as  long  as  the  inferior,  acute. 

HAB.  Woods  and  shady  thickets.  June — July,  94-;  culm  I  foot  high; 
leaves  1  inch  broad;  panicles  about  \5flowers,  downy. 

P.  nertosum:  culm  simple,  nodes  smooth;  leaves  broad-lanceolate, 
smooth,  a  little  ciliate  on  the  margin;  panicle  much  branched, 
smooth,  many-flowered ;  spikelets  oblong ;  abortive  floret  antherif- 
erous, with  the  superior  valve  subherbaceous,  shorter  than  the  in- 
ferior. 

HAB.  Boggy  meadows.  July,  9J.;  culm  3 — 4  feet  high,  smooth; 
leaves  subcoriaceous  ;  panicle  peduncle  or  sessile  ;  flower  large. 

P.  pubescens :  erect,  much  branched,  leafy,  softly  pubescent ;  leaves 
lanceolate,  ciliate ;  panicle  small,  few-flowered,  free ;  spikelets  sub- 
globose-obovate,  pubescent. 

HAB.  Woods  and  fields.  June,  9J.;  culm  18  inches  high  ;  nddes  hairy, 
sheaths  retrorsely  ciliate  ;  panicles  with  horizontal  branches. 

P.  depauperatum :  culm  cespitose,  hairy  at  the  joints ;  leaves  linear- 
lanceolate,  smooth  or  hairy ;  sheaths  pubescent ;  panicle  few  flow- 
ered; branches  in  pairs,  one  of  them  2-flowered,  the  other  1-flow- 
ered. 

HAB.  Barren  sandy  soils.  May — June,  1J. ;  culm  1  foot  high  ;  lower 
leaves  short  ;  panicles  terminal,  branches  tortuous. 

P.  nitidum  :  culm  slender,  simple,  erect,  smooth ;  sheaths  bearded  at 
the  throat;  leaves  very  few,  broad-linear;  panicle  capillary  rather 


TRIANDRIA DIGYNIA.  313 

crowded,  compound,  remote,  smooth ;  spikelets  minute,  obtuse,  ovate, 
slightly  pubescent ;  inferior  glume  very  small. 

HAB.  Meadows  and  woods.  June — July,  Tj.;  culm  18  inches — 2 
feet  high,  mostly  simple;  nodes  annulate — leaves  a  little  shining. 

P.  agrostoides :  culm  compressed,  smooth,  erect ;  leaves  very  long , 
panicles  lateral  and  terminal,  pyramidal,  spreading;  branches  ra- 
cemiferous;  spikelets  appressed;  abortive  floret  neuter,  with  the 
valves  nearly  equal. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  July— September,  TJ.;  culm  2— 3  feet  high 
— leaves  numerous  at  the  root — panicle  dark  purple. 

P.  proliferum :  culm  assurgent,  geniculate  at  the  base,  very  smooth ; 
panicles  terminal  and  axillary;  smooth;  spikelets  racemose;  abor- 
tive floret  1-valved. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  September,  7j. ;  whole  plant  very  smooth — 
culm  2 — 4  feet  long,  succulent — leaves  broad — panicles  large — an- 
thers orange. 

P.  capillare :  culm  nearly  simple ;  sheaths  very  hairy ;  panicles  large, 
capillary,  expanding,  loose ;  spikelets  on  long  peduncles,  acuminate, 
smooth ;  abortive  floret  1-valved. 

HAB.  Cultivated  grounds.  Aug— Sept.  Ij.;  culm  erect,  1 — 2  feet 
high — sheaths  hispid — branches  of  the  panicles  reflexuous  when 
old. 

65.   SETARIA. 

S.  viridis :  spike  cylindrical ;  involucrum  of  4 — 10  fasciculate  bristles, 
scabrous  upward ;  spikelets  geminate ;  perfect  floret  smooth ;  sheaths 
pubescent. 

HAB.  Cultivated  grounds.  July — August,  'ZJ.;  culm  1|  feet  high, 
simple — leaves  smooth — involucrum,  longer  than  the  Jlower. 

S.  glauca :  spike  cylindrical ;  involucrum  of  many  fascicled  bristles, 
scabrous  upward ;  perfect  floret  transversely  rugose. 

HAB.  Fields  and  cultivated  grounds.  July — August,  (v) ;  culm  2 
feet  high — involucrum  yellow  when  old. 

b.  purpurascens :  sheaths  hairy ;  glumes  and  bristles  of  the  involucrum 
purple. 

S.  verticillata :  spike  subverticillate ;  bristles  of  the  involucrum  two, 
retrorsely  scabrous ;  spikelets  solitary ;  corolla  of  the  perfect  floret 
nearly  smooth. 

HAB.  Sandy  cultivated  grounds.  July,  (v) ;  culm  18  inches  high, 
smooth  ;  spike  2  inches  long  ;  rach.  hispid — involucrum  purplish. 

S.  italica :  spike  compound,  interrupted  at  the  base,  nodding ;  spike- 
lets  conglomerate ;  involucrum  many  times  longer  than  the  flowers ; 
rachis  tomentose. 

HAB.  Borders  of  ditches.  July — August,  <v) ;  culm  4  feet  high,  sub- 
compressed;  panicles  6—8  inches  long;  involucrum  1 — 2  inches 
long. 

66.   DIGITARIA.     Crab-grass. 

D.  sanguinalis :  spikes  numerous,  fasciculate,  a  little  spreading ; 
leaves  and  sheaths  somewhat  hairy ;  spikelets  oblong ;  florets  pubes- 
cent on  the  margin. 

HAB.  Cultivated  grounds  and  waste  places.  August,  7J.;  culm 
decumbent  and  assurgent ;  spikes  4 — 6  ;  rach.  Jlexuous  ;  spiff  eleta 
by  pairs. 


TRIANDRIA TRIGYNIA. 

D.  Jiliformis :  culm  erect,  filiform ;  leaves  somewhat  glabrous  ;  spikes 
2 — 4,  filiform,  erect ;  spikelets  in  threes,  all  pedicellate ;  calyx  1- 
valved,  as  long  as  the  abortive  floret,  pubescent. 

HAB.  Gravelly  soils  and  sandy  woods.  Aug.  ©  ;  culm  simple,  12 
— 18  inches  high, ;  leaves  short ;  spik.  mostly  2. 

67.  ANDROPOGON.     Beard-grass. 

A.   scoparium:  spikes  simple,   lateral  and  terminal,  pedunculate,  in 

pairs ;  rachis  hairy ;  abortive  floret  neuter ;  valves  awned. 
HA  B.  Barren  soils.     Aug.  % ;  culm  3  feet  high  ;  lower  sheaths  hairy ; 

spik.  slender,  Jlexuous. 
A.  furcatum :  spikes  digitate,  generally  by  fours ;   abortive  flowers 

stameniferous,  awnless,  resembling  the  perfect  one,  the  awn  of  which 

is  subcontorted. 
HAB.   Rocky  banks.     Aug.— Sept.  %. ;  culm  4  feet  high ;   radical 

leaves  very  long  ;   calyx  broicnish. 
A.   nutans :  panicle  oblong,  branched,  nodding ;   spikelets  by  pairs ; 

calyx  hairy,  rufescent ;  awn  contorted. 
HAB.  Fields  and  hills.     Sept.— Oct.  7J.;  culm  3—6  feet  high;  pan. 

large  ;  abortive  flower  a  rudiment  without  valves. 

68.  HORDEUM. 

H.  jubatum:  lateral  flowers  abortive,  neuter;   bristles  of  the  calyx 

and  corolla  three  times  as  long  as  the  flowers. 

HAB.  Marshes,  tf;  culm  2 feet  high,  slender,  simple;  bristles  of  the 
Jlower  capillary. 

TRIGYNIA. 

69.  MOLLUGO.     Indian-chickweed. 

M.   verticillata :  leaves  verticillate,  cuneiform,  acute ;   stem  branched, 

depressed;  peduncles  1-flowered. 
HAB.   Fields.     July— Sept.  ©  ;   stem  prostrate,  spreading,  dichot.  { 

peduncle  axillary  ;  Jlower  small,  white. 

70.  LECHEA. 

Li.  major :   plant  hirsute  on  every  part ;   leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  mu- 

cronate;    panicle   leafy,   pyramidal;    branches   floriferous   towards 

their  extremities ;   flowers  in  fasciculate  racemes,  secund,  on  short 

pedicels. 
HAB.  Dry  woods  and  hills.     Aug.  7J.;  stem  erect,  often  surculose ;  Jl. 

minute,  round;  stamens  3 — 9. 
L.   minor:  whole  plant  nearly  glabrous;    stem  assurgent;    leaves 

linear-lanceolate,  acute ;  panicle  leafy ;   branches  elongated ;   flowers 

on  short  pedicels. 
HAB.    Dry  woods.     Aug. — Sept.     Stem  slender,  8  inches  high  ;  Jl. 

twice  as  large  as  the  preceding. 
L.  thy.nifolia :  whitish-villose  on  every  part ;  stem  erect ;  leaves  linear 

acute ;   panicle  leafy,  elongated ;   branches  short ;   flowers  minute,  ill 

lateral  and  terminal  fascicles ;  pedicels  very  short. 


TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  315 

HAB.  Sandy  sea-coast.     Aug.  ^ ;  stem,  a  foot  high,  erect,  Jirm,  much 
branched  ;  leaves  vlllose  at  base. 

71.  PROSERPINACA. 

P.  palustris:  leaves  linear-lanceolate,   serrate;   the  lower  ones  pin- 

natifid. 
HAB.  In  water.     July — Aug.  *2J.;   root  creeping ;  stem  partly  stib- 

merg.,  red;  Jl.  small,  axillary. 


TETRANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 

A.  Flowers  superior. 
Genera.  t  Monopetalous. 

72.  CEPHALANTHUS.     Common  calyx  0 ;  proper  minute,  angular, 
4-cleft ;  corolla  tubular,  slender,  4-cleft ;  style  much  exserted ;  stig- 
ma globose ;  capsule  2-celled,  2-seeded,  (mostly  2-partiIe ;)  recepta- 
cle globose,  hairy. 

73.  DIPSACUS.     Flowers  in  an  ovate  or  roundish  capitulum;  com- 
mon calyx  (involucrum)  many-leaved,  foliaceous;  proper  superior, 
of  one  leaf;  corolla  tubular,  4-cleft ;  seed  solitary ;  receptacle  conic, 
paleaceous ;  pappus  cyathiform. 

74.  GALIUM.     Calyx  4-toothed;  corolla  monopetalous,  rotate,  4-cleft; 
seeds  2,  globose. 

75.  HOUSTONIA.     Calyx  4-toothed;  corolla  infundibuliform,  4-cleft; 
capsule  half-superior,  2-celled,  2-valved,  many-seeded,  opening  trans- 
versely. 

76.  MITCHELLA.     Flowers  by  pairs  upon  the  same  germen;  calyx 
4-toothed;  corolla  infundibuliform;    tube  cylindric;    limb  4-parted, 
spreading,   villous   on  the  inner  side;   stamens  scarcely  exserted; 
stigma  4-cleft ;  berry,  by  the  union   of  2   germens,  didymous,  4- 
seeded. 

77.  LINN^EA.     Calyx  double;  that  of  the  fruit  2-leaved,  inferior;  oi 
the  flower  5-parted,  superior ;    cor.  turbinate,  subcampanulate,  5- 
lobed,   equal;    stamens   somewhat  didynamous;    stigma   globose; 
berry  dry,  3-celled,  (only  one  of  the  cells  bearing  a  perfect  seed.) 

t  t  Polypetatous. 

78.  SANGUISORBA.      Calyx  2-leaved;    cor.  4-cleft,   rotate;    cap* 
quadrangular,  between  the  calyx  and  corolla,  1 — 2-celled. 

79.  CORNUS.     Flowers  sometimes  aggregated  in  a  4-leaved  involu- 
crum ;  calyx  4-toothed ;  pet.  4 ;  drupe  with  a  2-celled  nut. 

80.  LUDWIGIA.    Calyx  4-parted,  persistent;  cor.  4-petaled  or  0;  cop*, 
quadrangular,  4-celled,  inferior,  many-seeded. 

28 


316  TETRANDltIA MONOGYNIA. 

•* 

t  t  t  Apetalous. 

81.  ISNARDIA.     Calyx  campanulate,  4-cleft;  cor.  0;  caps.  4-celled, 
quadrangular,  surrounded  by  the  base  of  the  calyx. 

B.  Flowers  inferior. 

32.  PLANT  AGO.     Calyx  4-cleft ;  cor.  4-cleft ;  limb  reflexed ;  stamens 
mostly  exserted,  very  long;  caps.  2-celled,  opening  all  round  trans- 


versely. 


83.  SYMPLOCARPUS.     Spath  ventricose,  ovate,  acuminate ;  spadix 
subglobose,   covered   with  perfect   flowers;    calyx   deeply  4-parted, 
persistent ;  segments  cucullate,  truncate,  becoming  thick  and  spongy ; 
pet.  0 ;  style  pyramidal,  4  sided ;  stigma  simple,  minute ;  seeds  soli- 
tary, immersed  in  the  spongy  receptacle.  • 

DIGYNIA. 

84.  HAMAMELIS.     Calyx  4-cleft,  with  3  bracts  (involucrum)  at  the 
base ;  pet.  linear,  very  long ;  nut  coriaceous,  2-celled,  2-horned,  cleft 
at  the  top ;  seed  1  in  each  cell. 


TETRAGYNIA. 

85.  ILEX.     Calyx  minute,  4 — 5-toothed  ;  cor.  rotate,  4-parted,  or  4-pe- 
taled;  style  0;  stigmas  4;  berry  4-seeded. 

86.  SAGINA.     Calyx  4-leaved ;  pet.  4 ;  caps.  4-celled,  4-valved,  many- 

seeded. 

87.  POTAMOGETON.     Calyx  4-leaved;  cor.  0;  anther  sessile,  alter- 
nating with  the  divisions  of  the  calyx ;  nuts  4,  1-seed.,  sessile. 


TETRANDRIA. 

MONOGYNIA. 
specie..  72.  CEPHALANTHUS.    Button-bush. 

C.  occidentalis :  leaves  opposite  or  ternate. 

HAB.  Swamps.   July— Aug.  F>  ;  shrub  4— 5  feet  high  ;  leaves  ovate- 
oblong  ;  Jl.  white,  in  glob,  heads. 

73.  DIPSACUS.     Teasel. 

D.  sylvestris :  leaves  rarely  connate ;  scales  of  the  receptacle  straight ; 
involucrum  curved  upward. 

HAB.  Old  fields.    July,  $ ;  stem  3—4  feet  high,  ang.  and  prickly, 
Jl.  pale  blue,  in  oral  heads. 


TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  317 

74.  GALIUM.     Bed-straw 

*  Fruit  smooth.  % 

G.  tiifidum:  stem  procumbent,  scabrous  downward;  leaves  linear, 
obtuse,  scabrous  on  the  margin  and  mid-rib ;  those  of  the  stem  in 
fives ;  of  the  branches  in  fours  ;  flowers  in  terminal  fascicles  ;  pedi- 
cels short ;  corolla  mostly  3-cleft. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  June — Aug.  1}.;  stem  much  branched;  leaven 
broad-linear  ;  flower  white,  minute. 

b.  latifolium :  leaves  obovate-cuneate. 

HAB.  Wet  places. 

G.  tinctoriurn  :  stem  diffuse,  smoothish  ;  leaves  linear,  somewhat  acute, 
slightly  scabrous ;  those  of  the  stem  in  sixes,  of  the  branches  in 
fours  ;  peduncles  elongated,  mostly  3-flowered. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  July,  %;  stem  afoot  high,  weak ;  fl.  white, 
mostly  4-cleft. 

G.  asprellum :  stems  diffuse,  much  branched,  retrorsely  aculeate ;  leaves 
in  fives  and  sixes,  lanceolate,  acuminate,  aculeate  on  the  nerves  and 
margin ;  pedicels  short. 

HAB.  Shady  wet  places.  June — July, 'ij.;  stem  I — 2  feet  high,  very 
leafy  ;  flower  terminal,  white. 

*  *  Fruit  hispid. 

G.  aparine :  leaves  6  or  8  in  whorl,  obovate-  lanceolate,  hispid  above ; 
margin  and  keel  prickly ;  stem  flaccid,  retrorsely  acuminate ;  fruit  with 
uncinate  bristles. 

HAB.  Moist  thickets.  May — June,  <v)  ;  stem  3 — 4  feet  long,  procum- 
bent or  inclined ;  flower  white  ;  fruit  uncinately  hispid. 

G.  triflorum  ;  stem  procumbent,  smoothish  ;  leaves  in  fives  and  sixes, 
obovate-lanceolate,  mucronate,  scarcely  ciliate  on  the  margin ;  flower- 
ing branches  elongated,  3-flowered  at  the  extremity  ;  flowers  pedicel- 
late ;  fruit  small,  hispid. 

HAB.  Moist  thickets.  July— Aug.  7J.;  stem  weak,  3—  5  feet  long} 
leaves  membranaceous,  flowers  branched,  axillary,  and  terminal. 

G,  pilosum:  stem  nearly  simple,  elongated,  ascending,  with  remote 
joints,  hispid ;  leaves  in  fours,  oval,  mucronate,  very  hairy  on  every 
part,  nerveless  ;  flowering  branches  elongated,  nearly  simple,  3-flow- 
ered at  the  extremity  ;  fruit  hairy. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  July — Aug.  1}.;  stem  I  foot  high — leaves  obtuse, 
punctate — -flowers  purple — segments  acute. 

G.  circoezans :  stem  erect,  smooth ;  leaves  in  fours,  oval,  obtuse, 
smooth ;  margin  and  nerves  ciliate ;  peduncles  divaricate,  few-flow- 
ered; flowers  remote,  subsessile;  fruit  nodding,  with  hooked  bris- 
tles. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  June — July,  1|.;  stem  I  foot  high — branch,  at 
base — leaves  3-nerved— flower  purp. 

G.  lanceolatum :  stem  erect,  very  smooth  ;  leaves  in  fours,  lanceolate 
generally  acute,  smooth,  3-nerved;  margin  subciliate;  peduncles 
divaricate ;  fruit  sessile,  nodding,  covered  with  hooked  bristles. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  July,  1|_;  stem  1  foot  high — leaves  2  in.  long, 
rnembrana. — -flower  purple. 

G.  boreale  :  stem  straight  and  erect,  branched,  very  smooth ;  branches 
short ;  leaves  in  fours,  linear-lanceolate,  generally  obtuse,  3-nerved ; 
margin  involute  and  scabrous ;  flowers  in  a  terminal  panicle,  divari- 
cate ;  fruit  minutely  and  uncinately  hispid. 


318  TETRANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

HAB.  Sandy  pine  woods.  Aug.— Sept.  ^;  stem  18  inches  high— 
pan.  pyramid.,  crowded— flower  white. 

75.  HOUSTONIA. 

H.  ccerulea :  stem  erect,  setaceous,  dichotomous ;  radical  leave* 
spathulate-ovate ;  peduncles  elongated,  1-flowered ;  segments  of  the 
corolla  acute. 

HAB.  Moist  rocks.  Apr. — May,  1].;  stems  numerous,  4 — 8  inches 
high — stem  leaves  narrow— flower  blue. 

76.  MITCHELLA.     Partridge-berry. 

M.  repens. 

HAB.  Woods.  June — July,  1\. ;  evergreen,  creeping,  branched, 
leaves  opposite,  roundish,  petioled,  smooth— flowers  term.,  white,  fra- 
grant. 

77.  LINNJEA. 

L.  borealis. 

HAB.  Mountain  woods.  July,  1\. ;  evergreen,  creeping — leaves  op- 
posite, ovate-round — pedunc.  erect—flowers  2,  drooping,  white  or 
pale  rose-color. 

78.  SANGUISORBA.     Great  Burnet. 

S.  canadensis :  spikes  cylindrical,  very  long ;   stamens  much  longer 

than  the  corolla. 
HAB.  Bog-meadows.     Aug. — Oct.  Ij.;   stem  2  feet  high,  smooth — 

leaves  pinnate — leaflets  ovate,  serrate— flowers  white. 

79.  CORNUS.     Dogwood,  &c. 

*  flowers  capitate,  surrounded  by  an  involucrum. 

C.  canadensis :  herbaceous ;  upper  leaves  verticillate,  veined ;  leaves 
of  the  involucrum  ovate,  acuminate ;  drupe  globose. 

HAB.  Mountain  meadows  and  swamps.  May — June,  7J.;  stem  6 
inches  high — head  term.,  pedunc. — involucrum  white. 

C.  florida :  arborescent ;  leaves  ovate,  acuminate ;  involucrum  large, 
with  obcordate  leaflets. 

HAB.  Woods.  May— June.  Tree  15—30  feet  high— leaves  oppo- 
site— involucrum  very  large,  white,  or  pale  rose-color. 

*  *  Flowers  naked,  cymose. 

C.  sericea :  branches  expanded ;  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  silky-ferru- 
ginous beneath ;  cymes  depressed,  woolly. 

HAB.  Shady  moist  places.  June.  Shrub  8 — 12  feet  high  ;  cymes 
pedunc. ;  flower  white  ;  drupe  ovate,  blue. 

C.  circinata :  branches  verrucose ;  leaves  broad,  oval,  (orbicular,) 
acuminate,  white-downy  beneath ;  cymes  depressed. 

HAB.  Banks  of  rivers,  woods.  June.  Shrub  6 — 8  feet  high  ;  cymt 
crowded,  nearly  smooth  ;  drupe  blue. 

C.  alba :  branches  recurved,  smooth ;  leaves  ovate,  acute,  pubescent, 
hoary  beneath ;  cymes  depressed. 

HAB.  Wet  woods.     A  small  tree  ;  branches  slender  ;  cyme?  small 
drupe  white. 


ris:  c/e.%.n-'g  and  shining;  leaves  opposite,  ovate-lanceolate, 
te;  5f»vSi8  t  ciliary,  solitary,  sessile;  capsule  subovate,  slightly 


TETRANDRIA  -  MONOGYNIA.  315* 

C.  paniculata  :  branches  erect  ;  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  hoary  be- 
neath ;  cymes  panicled. 

HAB.  Swamps.     June.     Shrub  8  —  12  inches  high  ;  branches  punct.  , 

cyme  loose  ;  drupe  n.eary  glob.,  white. 
0.  stricta:  branches  straight,  fastigiate  leaves  ovate,  green  on  both 

sides,  somewhat  naked  ;  cymes  panicled. 
iAB.  River  banks.     June.     Shrub  8  —  15  feet  high,  stoloniferous  ; 

*)ran.  red,  punct.  ;  drupe  blue.  ' 
*,  elternifolia  ;  leaves  alternate. 
•/AK.  Shady  woods  and  swamps.  June.  A  small  tree;  branches 

ir.rt^tiy  verruc.  ;  drupe  purple,  globose. 

80.  LUDWIGIA.     False  Loose-strife. 

D.  7,-ia  -i  icarpa  :  stem  erect,  branched,  nearly  smooth  ;  leaves  attenu- 
ate, Tii  TxX)w-lanceolate,  pale  beneath  ;  peduncles  axillary,  1  -flowered; 
capsu,  e  globose-quadrangular,  winged. 

HAB.  Stamps.     July  —  August,^;  stem  2  feet  high,  purple  ;  Jlow- 
ers  on  .»/to?  t  peduncle,  yellow  ;  petioles  caducous. 

81.  ISNARDIA. 

I.  palust 

petiolate 

angled. 
HAB.  St>gn.\iit  w*ie».     June,  1\.  ;  swimming  or  creeping,  succul.  ; 

Jlower  mtnMSj  ir;ic«i>a~ig. 

82.  PLANTAGO.     Plantain. 

P.  major:  haves  cvtte,  smoothish,  subdentate,  generally  shorter  than 

the  petioles  ;  scape  terete  ;  spike  cylindrical,  slender  ;  flowers  closely 

imbricate  ;  capsules  many-seeded. 
HAB.    Fields,    wattfo    grounds,    &c.      May  —  August,    Ij.  ;     leaves 

spreading  ;  scape  8  —  12  inches  long,  pubescent  ;  dissep.  of  the  cap- 

sule plane. 
P.  virginica  :    hairy-pubescent  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  ovate,  subdenticu- 

late  ;  spikes  cylindrical,  with  remote  flowers  ;  scape  angular. 
HAB.  Sandy  soils.     May  —  June,  J*  ;  plant  gray,  2  —  .3  inches  high  • 

spike  yellowish  ;  capsule  ^-seeded  ;  dissep.  plane. 
P.  lanceolata  :  leaves  lanceolate,  acute  at  each  end  ;  spike  short,  ovate- 

cylindrical  ;  scape  angular  ;  capsule  2-seeded. 
HAB.    Fields,  pastures,   &c.     May  —  September,   'ZJ.;    scape  12  —  18 

inches  long  ;  spike  brownish  ;  stamens  very  long. 
P.  maritima  :  leaves  linear,  grooved,  fleshy,  hairy  near  the  base  ;  scape 

terete  ;  spike  cylindrical,  bracts  rather  acute. 
HAB.  Salt  marshes.     August  —  September,  7[  ;  scape  as  long  as  the 

leaves  ;  Jlower  rather  remote  ;  capsule  ^/-seeded. 

83.  SYMPLOCARPUS.     Skunk-cabbage. 

S.  fcetida. 

HAB.  Swamps  and  low  grounds.     February  —  April,  Tj.  ;  plant  fetid  , 

leaves  large,  ovate-cordate  ;  spath.  purple  spotted,  cucull.  ;  spadix 

peduncle.  # 


TETRANDR1A TETRAG  VNIA. 

DIGYNIA. 

84.  HAMAMELIS.     Witch-hazle. 

11.  virginica :  leaves  obovate,  acute,  dentate,  cordate,  with  the  sinus 

small. 
HAB.  Moist  woods.     October — November.     Shrub  6 — 12 feet  high  ; 

leaves  alternate,  large  ;  Jlower  axillary,  clustered,  yellow. 

TETRAGYNIA. 
85.  ILEX.     Holly. 

I.  opaca :  leaves  ovate,  spinous,  acute,  smooth,  flat :  fascicles  of  flow- 
ers loose,  on  the  base  of  the  younger  branches  ;  peduncles  com- 
pound. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.  June.  An  evergreen  tree,\0 — 40  feet  high  ; 
leaves  coriaceous,  shining  ;  Jlower  yellow-white  ;  berries  red. 

I.  canadensis  :  leaves  deciduous,  ovate,  very  entire,  smooth  ;  peduncles 
subsolitary,  (or  fasciculate,)  very  long,  1-flowered;  fruit  obtusely 
subquadrangular. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills  and  mountains.  May — June.  Shrub  3 — 5  feet 
high  ;  leaves  mucronate  ;  Jlower  dioec.,  minute  ;  berries  red. 

86.  SAGINA.     Pearl-wort. 

S.  procumbens :    perennial ;    stem  procumbent,   smooth ;   petals  very 

short. 
HAB.  Near  springs.     July.     Spreading  2 — 4  inches   long;  leaves 

linear-subul.  ;  petals  sometimes  wanting. 

87.  POTAMOGETON.     Pond-weed. 

*  Upper  leaves  floating. 

P.  natans :  upper  leaves  floating ;  coriaceous,  oblong-ovate,  on  long 
petioles,  (subcordate  ;)  lower  ones  membranaceous,  lanceolate,  taper- 
ing to  a  foot  stalk. 

HAB.  Lakes  and  slow  streams.  July — August,  fl\.;  upper  leaves 
2 — 3  inches  long,  2  broad,  nerved;  spike  greenish. 

P.  fluitans :  upper  leaves  floating,  coriaceous,  oblong-lanceolate,  peti- 
olate,  tapering  at  the  base,  lower  ones  linear,  sessile. 

HAB.  Ponds  and  slow  streams.  July — August,  1J.;  upper  leaves  3 
inches  long,  1  broad,  olive-green  ;  peduncle  thick. 

P.  heterophyllum  :  upper  leaves  floating,  petiolate,  elliptical ;  lower  ones 
sessile,  crowded,  linear. 

HAB.  Ponds  and  slow  streams.  August,  1}. ;  half  the  size  of  the 
preceding  ;  submerged  leaves  ver$  narrow. 


PEN  -ANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  1 

P.  diversifolium :  upper  leaves  floating,  elliptical,  petiolate,  5-nerveU ; 
inferior  ones  filiform ;  spike  axillary,  almost  sessile,  few-flow- 
ered. 

HAB.  Ponds  and  slow  streams.  June.  C ;  Stems  filiform— upper 
leaves  not  an  inch  long — spikes  4 — 6-Jlowered. 

*  *  Leaves  all  submerged. 

P.  perfoliatum:  leaves  amplexicaul,  cordate,  ovate. 

HAB.  Rivers  and  lakes.  August.  Stem  dichot. — leaves  1  inch  long, 
subpelluc. — spike  few-Jloicers. 

P.  lucens  :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  petiolate. 

HAB.  Rivers  and  lakes.  August.  C—Stem  terete — leaves  2 — 3 
inches  long,  pelluc.  reticulated — spikes  cylindrical. 

P.  crispum :  leaves  lanceolate,  tapering,  sessile,  undulate  and  ser- 
rate. 

HAB.  Lakes.  August.  C;  Stem  subcomp. — leaves  1J  inches  long 
— spikes  8 — lO-^o  we  red. 

P.  pectinaceum:  leaves  setaceous,  distichously  approximate,  sheath- 
ing ;  stipules  almost  wanting ;  spike  few-flowered,  interrupted. 

HAB.  Ponds.  June.  C;  Stem  filif.  dichot, — leaves  numerous — 
4 — 6  inches  long — peduncles  elongated. 


PENTANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 

A.  Seeds  naked.     (AsFERlFOLlJE.) 
Genera.      *  Seeds  fixed  to  the  bottom  of  the  calyx. 

«8.  LITHOSPERMUM.  Calyx  5-parted ;  segments  acute,  cannate; 
corolla  infundibuliform ;  border  5-lobed  ;  orifice  naked;  stem  includ- 
ed within  the  tube  of  the  corolla ;  stigma  obtuse,  bifid  ;  seeds  imper- 
forated  at  the  base,  indurated,  shining. 

89.  ONOSMODIUM.     CaZy.r  deeply  5-parted;  segments  linear;  corolla 
subcampanulate  ;  border  ventricose,  half  5-cleft ;  segment  connivent, 
acute ;  orifice  naked ;  style  much  exserted ;  seeds  ovate,  shining,  im- 
perforate  at  the  base. 

90.  ECHIUM.     Ca ly x  5-parted ;  segments  subulate,  erect ;  corolla  sub- 

campanulate ;  tube  very  short ;  border  unequally  5-lobed,  the  lower 
segment  acute  and  reflexed ;  orifice  pervious ;  stigma  bifid ;  seeds 
tuberculate,  imperforate  at  the  base. 

91.  MYOSOTIS.     Calyx  5-parted,  or  5-cleft ;  corolla  hypocrateriform ; 
segments  very  obtuse ;  orifice  closed  with  connivent  scales. 

92.  LYCOPSIS.     Calyx  5-cleft ;  corolla  infundibuliform ;  orifice  closed 
with  ovate,  connivent  scales ;  seeds  perforated  at  the  base. 


822  PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

*  *  (Seeds  fixed  to  a  central  column. 

93.  CYNOGLOSSUM.     Calyx  5-parted ;  corolla  short  infundibulifornj 

— orifice  closed  with  connivent  scales ;  seeds  depressed. 

94.  ROCHELIA.      Calyx   5-parted;    corolla  hypocrateriform ;   orifice 
closed  with  connivent  scales  ;  seeds  echinate  compressed. 

B.  Flowers  1-petaled,  inferior.    Seeds  in  a  pericarp. 
*  Fruit  a  capsule, 
a.  Capsule  1-celled. 

95.  ANAGALLIS.    Calyx  5-parted ;  corolla  rotate,  5-lobed ;  filaments 
hirsute  at  the  base ;  capsule  globose,  bursting  all  round  transversely, 
many-seeded. 

96.  LYSIMACHIA.     Calyx  5-cleft ;  corolla  rotate,  (and  subcarapanu- 
late,)  5-cleft;  capsule  1-celled,  5—  10-valved. 

97.  MENYANTHES.     Calyx  5-parted ;  corolla  infundibuliform ;  bor- 
der spreading,  5-lobed,  equal,  hairy  within ;  stigma  capitate,  sulcate ; 
capsule  1-celled,  2-valved ;  valves  seminiferous  on  the  sides. 

98.  VILLARSI A.     Calyx  5-parted ;   corolla  rotate,  5-lobed ;   segments 
bearded  at  the  base,  with  their  margins  inflexed ;  glands  (nectaries,) 
5,  alternating  with  the  stamens ;  stigma  2-Jobed ;   capsule  1-celled, 
2-valved,  many-seeded. 

99.  HOTTONIA.     Calyx  5-parted ;   corolla  hypocrateriform,  5-lobed ; 
stamen  seated  on  the  tube  of  the  corolla ;  stigma  globose;  capsule  1- 
celled,  globose,  acuminate. 

100.  SAMOLUS.     Calyx  5-cleft,  half  superior;    corolla  hypocrateri- 
form,   5-lobed,  with  five  intermediate  scales,  (or  sterile  stamens;) 
capsule  half  inferior,  1-celled,  5-toothed,  many-seeded;  receptacle  un- 
connected. 

101.  SABBATIA.     Calyx  5 — 12-parted;   corolla  rotate,  5 — 12-parted; 
stigma  2,  spiral ;    anthers  at  length  revolute ;  capsules  1-celled,  2- 
valved. 

b.  Capsule  2-(3-)  celled. 

102.  VERB  ASCUM.    Calyx  5-parted ;  corolla  rotate,  5-lobed,  unequal ; 
stamens  declined,  generally  bearded ;  stigma  simple ;  capsule  2-ceiled, 
with  inflexed  valves,  many-seeded. 

103.  HYOSCYAMUS.     Calyx  tubular ;  border  5-cleft ;  corolla  infun- 
dibulifonn,  5-lobed,  irregular ;  lobes  entire ;  stamens  inclined ;  cap- 
sules 2-celled,  operculate. 

104.  CONVOLVULUS.     Calyx  5-parted,  naked,  or  with  two  Dracta 
at  the  base ;  corolla  campanulate,  plicate ;  stigma  2 ;  capsule  2 — 3- 
celled,  with  as  many  valves ;  cells  1 — 2-seeded. 

105.  IPOM^EA.      Calyx    5-cleft,    naked;     corolla    infundibnUform, 
campanulate,  5-plaited ;  stigma  capitate ;  capsule  2 — 3-celied,  many- 
seeded. 

c.  Capsules  2 — ^-celled. 

106.  DATURA.     Calyx  tubular,  angular,  deciduous ;   base  orbicular, 
persistent ;  corolla  infundibuliform,  plicate ;  capsule  ovate,  2-celled, 
4-valved;  cells  2-parted. 


PBNTANDRIA MONOQYNIA.  323 

*  *  Fruit  a  berry. 

107.  PHYSALIS.    Calyx  5-toothed ;  cor.  campanulate-rotate ;  stamens 
connivent ;  berry  2-celled,  covered  by  the  inflated  calyx. 

108.  SOLANUM.     Calyx  5— 10-parted,   persistent;  cor.  rotate,   1-pe- 
taled,  5 — 6-lobed ;  anther  oblong,  opening  at  the  top  by  2  pores ; 
berry  2 — 6-celled. 

C.  Flowers  1-petaled,  superior. 

*  Fruit  a  capsule. 

109.  CAMPANULA.     Calyx  mostly  5-cleft ;  corolla  campanulate,  5- 
cleft ;  filament  dilated  at  the  base ;  stigma  3— 5-cleft ;  capsule  3» 
(rarely  5-)-celled,  open  by  lateral  pores. 

110.  LOBELIA.     Calyx  5-cleft;  corolla  irregular,  5-parted,  cleft  on  the 
upper  side  nearly  to  the  base ;  anthers  united  into  a  tube ;  stigma 
2-lobed ;  capsule  inferior,  or  semi-superior,  2 — 3-celled,  2-valved  at 
the  apex. 

111.  DIER  VILLA.     Calyx  oblong,  5-cleft,  bracteate  at  the  base;   cor. 
infundibuliform,  5-cleft,  spreading  ;  stigma  capitate ;   stamen  a  little 
exserted ;  capsule  naked,  oblong,  4-celled,  many-seeded. 

*  *  Fruit  a  berry. 

112.  LONICERA.     Calyx  5-toothed ;  corolla  with  the  tube  elongated ; 
border  5-cleft,  generally  unequal ;  stamen  exserted ;  stigma  globose ; 
berries  distinct,  3-celled,  many-seeded. 

113.  XYLOSTEUM.     Flowers  by  pairs  on  the  summit  of  the  same  pe- 
duncle ;   calyx  5-toothed,  with  2  connate  bracts  at  the  base ;  corolla 
5-cleft,  subequal,  or  bilabiate ;  berries  by  pairs,  more  or  less  connate, 
2-celled,  many-seeded. 

114.  TRIOSTEUM.     Calyx  5-cleft;  segments  linear,  nearly  as  long 
as  the  corolla ;  corolla  tubular,  5-lobed,  subequal,  gibbous  at  the  base 
— stamen  included ;  stigma  capitate,  lobed ;  berry  3-celled,  3-seeded, 
crowned  with  the  calyx. 

D.  Flowers  5-petaled,  inferior. 

*  Fruit  a  capsule. 

115.  IMPATIENS.     Calyx  2-leaved,   deciduous;    corolla  irregular; 
nect.  cucullate,  calcarate ;  anthers  cohering  at  the  apex  ;  capsule  5- 
valved,  bursting  elastically. 

116.  VIOLA.     Cal.  deeply  5-cleft,  produced  at  the  base;   cor.  5-ptal- 
ed,  irregular ;   upper  petal  corniculate  at  the  base ;  anther  connivent, 
cohering ;  caps.  1-celled,  3-valved. 

117.  CLAYTONIA      Cal.  2-leaved;  pet.  5,  emarginate;   stigma  3- 
cleft ;  capsule  1-celled,  3-valved,  3— 5-seeded ;    seeds  reniform. 

118.  CEANOTHUS.      Calyx   turbinate,   5-cleft;    petiole  5,   saccate 
and  arched,  with  long  claws ;  stigma  3 ;   capsule  tricoccous,  3-cell 
ed,  3-seeded,  3-parted,  opening  on  the  inner  side. 

J19.   CELASTRUS.      Cal.   5-lobed,   flat;    corolla  5-petaled  ;    stamens 
seated  around  a  5-toothed  glandulous  disk ;   capsule  or  theca  obtuse- 


324  PENTANDRIA DIGYNIA. 

ly  triangular,  3-celled,  3-valved ;   valves  sepliferous  in  the  centre ; 
cells  1 — 2-seeded ;  seeds  covered  with  a  4-cleft  colored  arillus. 

*  *  Fruit  a  berry. 

120.  RHAMNUS.     Calyx  urceolate,  4— 5-cleft;  petioles  4—5,  oppo- 
site the  stamens,  (sometimes  abortive ;)  stamen  4 — 5 ;   stigma  2—4- 
cleft ;   berry  3— 4-seeded. 

121.  VITIS.     Calyx  minute,  5-toothed;  petiole  5,  cohering  at  the  apex, 
deciduous;   stigma  sessile,  obtuse,  capitate;  berry  1 -celled,  5-seeded 
— seeds  subcordate. 

122.  CISSUS.     Calyx  minute,  4 — 5-toothed ;  petiole  4— 5,  unconnected 
above,   spreading,   deciduous ;   germ,  surrounded  with  a  glandulous 
disk ;   berry  2 — 4-seeded. 

E.  Flowers  5-petaledt  superior. 

123.  RIBES.     Calyx  superior,  campanulate,  5-cleft ;  petiole  and  stamen 
inserted  upon  the  calyx  ;  style  2-cleft ;  berry  many-seeded. 

F.  Flowers  incomplete. 

124.  THESIUM.       Calyx   Heaved,   tubular-campanulate,  4— 5-cleft; 
anther  attached  to  the  calyx  by  a  tuft  of  filaments ;   nut  l-seeded. 
covered  with  the  persistent  calyx. 

125.  ANYCHIA.     Calyx  5-parted;  segments  oblong,  connivent,  cal- 
lous, and  subsaccate  at  the  apex ;   cor.  0 ;  fil.  3 — 5,  distinct,  without 
intermediate  setse ;  stigma  subcapitate ;  utriculus  l-seeded,  covered 
by  the  calyx. 


DIGYNIA. 

A.  Flowers  monopetalous,  inferior. 
*  Follicles  2. 

126.  APOCYNUM.     Calyx  very  small,   5-cleft;    cor.   campanulate; 
border  with  5  short  spreading  or  revolute  lobes ;    anther  sagittate, 
connivent,  cohering  to  the  stigma  by  the  middle ;   glandular  teeth  5, 
acute,  alternating  with  the  stamens,  and  opposite  the  segments  of  the 
corolla. 

127.  ASCLEPIAS.    Calyx  small,  5-paited;  cor.  rotate,  5-parted,  mostly 
reflexed  ;  staminial  crown  simple,  5-leaved ;  leaflets  opposite  the  an- 
thers, with  a  subulate  averted  process  at  the  base ;  stigma  with  the 
5  angles  (corpuscles)  opening  by  longitudinal  chinks;  pollinia  5 
distinct  pairs. 

*  *  Fruit  capsular. 

128.  GENTIANA.     Calyx  4— 5-parted,  or  cleft ;  cor.  tubular  at  the 
base,   campanulate;  border  4 — 5-cleft;    segments  ciliate  or  entire, 
spreading,  erect,  or  connivent;  stamens  included;  styles  0.  or  very 
short ;  stigmas  2 ;  caps.  1-celled,  2-valved ;  recept.  2,  longitudinal. 


PENTANDRIA DIGYNIA.  325 

129.  CTJSCUTA.     Calyx  4— 5-cleft;  cor.  4— 5-cleft,  subcampanulate, 
marcescent ;  caps.  2-celled,  opening  all  round  transversely ;  cells  2- 
seeded. 

B.  Corolla  5-petaled,  inferior. 

130.  HEUCHERA.     Calyx  5-cleft ;  pet.  5,  small,  inserted  into  the  mar- 
gin of  the  calyx  ;  caps,  birostrate,  2-celled,  many-seeded. 

C.  Corolla  5-petaled,  superior. 

131.  PANAX.    Polygamous;   flowers  in  a  simple  umbel;  PERFECT; 
calyx  5-toothed ;  pet .  5 ;  styles  2 — 3 ;  berry  subcordate,  2— 3-seeded ; 
STAMINIF.  ;  calyx  entire. 

D.  Flowers  incomplete. 

132.  CHENOPODIUM.     Calyx  5-parted,  obtusely  pentangular;  cor. 
0 ;  style  deeply  bifid  ;  seed  lenticular,  horizontal,  partly  covered  by 
the  closing  calyx. 

133.  SALSOLA.     Calyx  5-parted;  cor.  0;  style  bifid;  seed  1,  horizon- 
tal, covered  by  the  connivent  calyx ;  embryo  cochleate. 

134.  ULMUS.     Calyx  camp^nulate,  4 — 5-cleft;  cor.  0;  samara  com- 
pressed, with  a  broad  membranaceous  border. 

E.  UMBELLIFERjE. 

a.    Umbels  subcapitate. 

135.  SANICULA.     Umb.  nearly  simple,   capitate;    involucrum   few- 
flowered  ;  Jlowers  polygamous ;  calyx  5-parted,  persistent ;  fruit  ob- 
long, solid,  not  ribbed,  armed  with  uncinate  bristles. 

b.   Umbels  imperfect.     Involucrum  obsolete  or  0. 
(Leaves  confluent  with  the  petiole,  subsimple.) 

136.  HYDROCOTYLE.     Umbel  simple ;  fruit  with  the  back  and  com- 
missure narrow,  laterally  compressed,  subrotund,  3-ribbed,  generally 
with  reticulate  veins. 

c.   Umbel  perfect.     Universal  involucrum,  and  sometimes  the 
partial  wanting.     Fruit  ovate,  solid,  b-costate. 

(Leaves  decompound.) 

137.  SISON.     Fruit  ovate,  solid,  5-ribbed  on  the  back ;  intervals  con- 
vex ;  sides  contracted ;  raphis  excavated. 

138.  CNIDIUM.     Involucrum  1-leaved,  or  0;  fruit   ovate,  solid;  riba 
5,  acute,  somewhat  winged ;  intervals  sulcate,  striate. 

d.    Umbels  perfect.     Involucrum  generally  wanting.     Fruit 
corticate,  solid  or  compressed,  utriculate. 

139.  SMYRNIUM.     Involucrum  few-leaved,  or  0;  fruit  solid,  ovate; 


326  PENTANDRIA TRIGYNIA. 

cortex  black,  3-ribhed ;  sides  contracted  from  the  commissure — albv* 
men  white. 

140.  CICUTA.     Involucrum  almost  wanting;  fruit  ovate,  solid,   5- 
ribbed ;  intervals  prominent. 

e.  Fruit  hispid. 

141.  DAUCUS.     Involucrum  pinnatifid;  Jlowers  somewhat  radiant; 
those  of  the  disk  abortive ;  fruit  oblong,  with  5  aculeate  ribs ;  inter- 
vals angular,  hispid. 

f.  Fruit  pyramidal,  rostrate.     Involucrum  0.       >'  .•*. 

142.  MYRRHIS.     Fruit  crowned  with  the  pistils ;  ribs  5,  acute. 

g.  Fruit  subovate,  costate,  sulcate.     Universal  and  partial 
involucra  various. 

143.  SIUM.     Fruit  somewhat  prismatic,  with  5  obtuse  ribs ;   intervali 
subconvex ;  involucrum  entire. 

144.  CONIUM.     Fruit  ovate,  solid,  with  5  obtuse  ribs,  crenulate  when 
immature;  intervals  flat;  umbel  with  universal  and  partial  invo- 
lucra. 

h.  Fruit  compressed,  flat,  often  winged.     Involucra  various. 

145.  HERACLEUM.     Fruit  with  a  membranaceous  margin — ribs  3, 
dorsal,  obtuse  ;  intervals  and  commissure  with  clavate  spots ;  Jlow- 
ers  subradiant ;   involucrum  0. 

146.  PASTINAC  A.     Fruit  oval,  margined ;  ribs  obsolete  ;  interval? 
striate ;  commissures  2 ;  universal  and  partial  involucra  0. 

147.  ANGELICA.     Fruit  subcompressed,  with  3  acute  winged  ribs— 
intervals  sulcate ;  margin  membranaceous. 


TRIGYNIA. 


*  Flowers  superior. 

148.  VIBURNUM.     Calyx  minute,  5-toothed,  superior;   cor.  5-cleft; 
lobes  spreading  or  reflexed ;  stigmas  nearly  sessile  ;    berry  1-seeded. 

149.  SAMBUCUS.     Calyx  minute,  5-cleft;    cor.   subrotate,   5-cleft; 
stigmas  minute,  sessile ;  berry  globose,  1-celled,  3-seeded. 

*  Flowers  inferior. 

150.  RHUS.     Calyx  5-parted;  pet.   5;  berry  small,   subglobose,  with 
one  bony  seed. 

151.  STAPHYLEA.     Calyx  5-parted,  colored;  pet.  5,  inserted  upon 
the  margin  of  a   glandular,  pentangular  disk ;  caps.  2 — 3,  inflated, 
partly  united ;  seeds  1—2  in  each  capsule,  subglobose,  with  a  lateral 
cicatrix. 


PENTANPRIA MONOGYNIA.  327 

TETRAGYNIA 


152.  PARNASSTA.  Calyx  5-parted,  persistent ;  pet.  6,  inferior;  nec- 
tary of  5  scales,  inserted  into  the  claws  of  the  petals,  fringed  with 
capitate  ciliae ;  stigmas  4,  sessile ;  caps.  1-celled,  4-valved  ;  valves 
bearing  incomplete  dissepiments  in  the  middle;  seeds  membrana- 
ceously  margined. 


PENTAGYNIA. 


.  *i.  ARALIA.     Flowers  umbelled ;  calyx  5-toothed,  superior ;  pet.  5 ; 

stigma  sessile,  subglobose ;  berry  5-celled,  5-seeded. 
JS4    STATICE.     Calyx  inferior,  1-leaved,  entire,  plaited,  scarious;  pet. 

5;  caps.  1 -seeded,  without  valves,  covered  with  the  persistent  calyx. 
155.  LINUM.     Calyx  deeply  5-parted,  persistent ;  pet.  5,  unguiculate; 

f.1.  united  at  the  base;  caps,    superior,  subglobose,   10-valved,    10- 
seeds  solitary,  ovate,  compressed. 


HEXAGYNIA. 


156.  DEOSERA.     Calyx  deeply  5-cleft,  persistent;  pet.  5;  anther  ad- 
nate ,  ttylcs  6  ;  caps,  superior,  3-celled  3 — 5-valved,  many-seeded. 


MONOGYNIA. 


species.   88    LITHOSPERMUM.     Gromwell. 

L.   arvense :    «tem  erect,   branched ;    leaves  linear-lanceolate,   rather 

acute,  veinlesg,   hairy;  calyx  nearly  as  long  as  the  corolla,  with 

spreading  segments ;  seeds  rugose. 
HAB.    Fields.     Apr. — May,  <g>;  hispidly  pilose,   8—12  in.  high- 

Jlowers  solitary,  axillary,  small,  white. 
L.  afficinale :    stem  erect,  much  branched ;  leaves  lanceolate,  acute, 

nerved,  scabrous  above,  hairy  beneath ;  calyx  as  long  as  the  tube  of 

the  corolla ;  seeds  smooth. 
HAB.  May,  1J.;  stem  2  feet  high,  scabrous— -fl.  axillary,  solitary, 

pedicell.,  pale  yellow. 

89.  ONOSMODIUM. 

O.  hispidum:  plant  hispid;  leaves  obovate  lanceolate,  papillose-punc 
tate ;  segments  of  the  corolla  subulate. 
29 


8  PENTANDR1A MONOG1NIA. 

f I AB.  Dry  hills.  Aug.  1\. ;  stem  1—2  feet  high, — leaves  subtriply 
nerved — flowers  in  leafy  racemes,  white. 

90.  ECHIUM.     Viper's  bugloss. 

E.  vulgare:  stem  tuberculate-hispid ;  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  his- 
pid ;  spikes  lateral ;  stamens  longer  than  the  corolla. 

HAB.  Hill  sides.  May— July,  <?;  stem  2—3  feet  high— leaves 
very  hispid — spikes  secund,  recurved — flowers  blue. 

91.  MYOSOTIS.     Scorpion-grass. 

M.  arvensis :  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  hairy;  racemes  long;  pedicels 
short,  spreading  when  in  the  fruit ;  calyx  5-cleft,  closed ;  limb  of  the 
corolla  erect-spreading,  about  as  long  as  the  tube. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.  June,  <v) ;  plant  gray,  simple  or  branched, 
4 — 8  in.  high — flower  small,  white. 

92.  LYCOPSIS.     Small  bugloss. 

L.  arvensis .   leaves   lanceolate,   semi-amplexicaul,  repand-denticulate, 

very  hispid ;  racemes  leafy ;  calyx  erect. 
HAB.    Sandy   fields.     July,  <v) ;    very  hispid— flowers  blue — seeds 

reticulate. 

93.  CYNOGLOSSUM.     Hound's  tongue. 

C.  qfficinale:  leaves  broad-lanceolate,   attenuate   at  the  base,  sessile, 

downy ;  stamens  included. 
HAB.  Road  sides.     June— July,  cf;  dull  green,  1J— 2  feet  high— 

flower  panic.,  purple-red — seeds  rough — §. 

94.  ROCHELIA. 

K.  lappula :  stem  branched  above ;  leaves  lanceolate,  with  incumbent 

hairs ;  corolla  longer  than  the  calyx ;  border  erect-spreading ;  seeds 

with  2  rows  of  hooked  prickles  on  the  margin. 
HAB.  Road   sides,  &c.     July — Aug.  ©  ;  stem  panic,  above,  1  foot 

high — flowers  minute,  blue. 
R.  virginiana :  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate,  scabrous  above ; 

racemes  divaricate ;  flowers  nodding  when  in  fruit;  fruit  densely 

covered  with  hooked  prickles. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills.     July,  $  ;  stem  2  feet  high,  hairy— leaves  large 

—flower  very  small,  white. 

95.  ANAGALLIS.     Pimpernel. 

A.  arvensis :  stem  procumbent ;  leaves  ovate,  sessile,  dotted  beneath ; 

segments  of  the  rorolla  dilated,  crenate-glandular. 
HAB.  Sandy   fields,   &c.     June — July,  ©  ;  stem  yuadrang. — leavt* 

opposite—flower  solitary,  axillary,  scarlet. 


PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  329 

96.  LYSIMACHIA.     Loose-strife. 

L-,  stricta .  raceme  terminal,  very  long,  lax  ;  leaves  opposite,  lanceolate, 


HAB.  Low  grounds.  July — Aug.  7].;  very  smooth ;  18  in.  high; 
axils  often  bulbif. — -flower  yellow. 

L.  quadrifolia  :  leaves  verticillate,  in  fours  and  fives,  ovate-lanceolate, 
acuminate  ;  peduncles  axillary,  1 -flowered,  by  fours ;  segments  of  the 
corolla  oval,  entire,  often  obtuse. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  June — July,  Tj. ;  stem  12 — 18  in.  high,  a  little 
hairy  ;  leaves  punctate  ;  Jlower  yellow  ;  stamens  uneq. 

L.  ciliata :  stem  nearly  smooth ;  leaves  opposite,  on  long  petioles,  sub- 
cordate-ovate,  acuminate ;  petioles  ciliate ;  peduncles  subgeminate  ; 
flowers  nodding. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  July,  7J.;  stem  2 — 3 feet  high;  leaves  large; 
stamens  nearly  equal,  with  intermed.  teeth. 

L.  hybrida :  stem  smooth ;  leaves  opposite,  petiolate,  lanceolate,  acute 
at  each  extremity ;  petioles  ciliate ;  flowers  nodding ;  peduncles  axil- 
lary ;  corolla  crenulate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  July — Aug.  Tj.;  18  in.  high  ;  inf.  leaves  ovate-Ian. , 
stamens  nearly  equal,  with,  intermed.  teeth. 

L.  capitata  :  stem  subsimple,  punctate ;  leaves  opposite,  sessile,  broad- 
lanceolate,  punctate ;  peduncles  axillary,  elongated ;  flowers  in  dense 
subglobose  heads,  6— 7-parted. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June,  ^  ;  stem  18  in.  high,  terete;  leaves  punctate; 
heads  pedunc.  ;  stamens  6 — 7,  much  exserted. 

97.  MENYANTHES.     Buck-bean. 

M.  trifoliata :  leaves  ternate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  May,  1\. ;  stem  a  span  high;  leaflets  obovate;  flow- 
ers reddish-white,  in  a  pyramidal  raceme. 

98.  VILLARSIA. 

V.  lacunosa :  leaves  reniform,  subpeltate,  slightly  crenate,  lacunose  be- 
neath ;  petioles  bearing  the  flowers ;  corolla  smooth. 

HAB.  In  ponds,  floating.  Aug.  1± ;  petioles  very  long ;  leaves  1  in. 
long  ;  flowers  subumbellate,  white. 

99.  HOTTONIA.     Water-feather. 

H.  inflata :  scape  articulate,  with  the  internodes  and  lower  part  infl» 

ted ;  flowers  verticillate,  pedunculate. 
HAB.  Swamps, — subaquatic.     Ij. ;  stem  thick  ;  leaves  pectinate  ;  fL 

white. 

100.  SAMOLUS.     Brookweed. 

S.  valerandi :  stem  erect ;  leaves  obovate ;  racemes  elongated,  many- 
flowered. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  June— Oct.  7J. ;  8—10  in.  high,  smooth  ;  fl.  mi- 
nute, white. 


330  PENTANDBIA MONOGYNIA. 

101.  SABBATIA. 

8.  stellaris:  stem  terete;  branches  dichotomous,  elongated,  1-flowered; 

leaves  lanceolate,  acute  ;  segments  of  the  calyx  subulate,  half  as  long 

as  the  corolla  ;  segments  of  the  corolla  obovate. 
HAB.  Salt  marshes.     Aug.   $  ;    afoot  high,  sub  angular ;  Jlower 

rose-color,  with  a  yellow  centre. 

102.  VERBASCUM.     Mullein. 

V.  thapsus :  leave?  'Jecurrent,  woolly  on  both  sides ;  raceme  spiked, 

dense ;  two  of  the  stamens  glabrous. 
HAB.   Fields,  road-sides,  &c.     June — Aug.  J* ;  stem  3 — 6 feet  high; 

Jlower  bright  yellow  in  very  long  spikes. 
V.  blatiaria :  leaves  amplexicaul,  oblong,  smooth,  serrate ;  peduncles 

1-flowered,  solitary. 
HAB.  Old  fields,  &c.     June — July,  tf ;   2  feet  high,  ang. ;   raceme 

leafy  ;  pedicels  1  in.  long ;  stamens  uneq. 
a.  alba :  leaves  toothed ;  flowers  white. 
6.  lutea :  leaves  doubly  serrate ;  flowers  yellow. 

103.  HYOSCYAMUS.     Henbane. 

H.  niger :  leaves  amplexicaul,  sinuate ;  flowers  subsessile ;  corolla  re- 
ticulate. 

HAB.  Road-sides  and  rubbish.  June,  ©,  J1;  hispidly-pilose,  foetid  ; 
jftower  in  recurved  spikes,  dingy  yellow.  § 

104.  CONVOLVULUS.     Bind-weed. 

C.  arvensis :  stem  climbing ;  leaves  sagittate,  with  the  lobes  acute ; 
peduncles  mostly  1-flowered;  bracts  acute,  remote  from  the  flow- 
ers. 

HAB.  Fields.  June,  1\. ;  stem  a  little  hairy  ;  leaves  obtuse ;  flow- 
ers small,  white  ;  stigma  linear. 

C.  sepium  :  stem  climbing  ;  leaves  sagittate  ;  very  acute ;  lobes  trun- 
cate ;  bracts  close  to  the  flower,  acute,  longer  than  the  calyx  ;  pedun- 
cles quadrangular,  1-flowered. 

HAB.  Hedges  and  low  grounds.  June — July,  Ij.;  leaves  cordate 
sagittate  ;  peduncle  long  ;  Jlower  large,  white. 

105.  IPOM^A. 

{.  purpurea  :  leaves  cordate,  entire ;  peduncles  2 — 3-flowered  ;  pedicels 

incrassated,  nodding ;  capsule  smooth. 
HAB.    Cultivated  grounds  and  waste  places.      July— August,  © ; 

stem  hairy,  twining  ;  corolla  large,  blue  and  purple. 

106.  DATURA.     Thorn-apple. 

D.  stramonium:  capsule  spiny,  erect;  leaves  ovate,  smooth,  angular, 
dentate 


PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  331 

HAB.  Waste  places.     July— Sept.  <;?>  ;  stem  2 — Ifeet  high,  dichot., 

green  ;  flower  solitary,  axillary,  white. 
b.    Tatula  :  stem  and  flowers  purple. 

107.  PHYSALIS.     Ground-cherry. 

P.  obscura :  pubescent ;  stem  prostrate,  divaricate ;  leaves  broad  cor- 
date, subsolitary,  unequally  and  coarsely  toothed;  flowers  solitary, 
nodding  ;  calyx  very  hairy. 

HAB.  Woods  and  hills.  August,  <v) ;  stem  forked — leaves  on  long 
petioles  ;  Jlower  pedunc.,  dull  yellow. 

108.  SOLANUM.     Nightshade. 

S.  Dulcamara  :  stem  fruticose,  flexuous,  without  thorns ;  leaves  ovate-- 
cordate ;  superior  ones  hastate  ;  corymbs  opposite  the  leaves. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  July — August,  Fj  ;  climbing ;  Jlowers  in 
lateral  clusters,  violet,  berries  red. 

S.  nigrum  b.  virginianum :  stem  herbaceous,  without  thorns,  angular, 
toothed ;  leaves  ovate,  obtusely  toothed  and  waved ;  flowers  subum 
belled. 

HAB.  Old  fields,  &c.  July — Aug.  ©;  stem  diffuse,  slightly  vying- 
ed  ;  Jlower  white  ;  berries  black. 

109.  CAMPANULA.     Bell-flower. 

C.  rotundifolia :    glabrous;   radical  leaves  reniform-cordate,  crenate; 

cauline  ones  linear,  entire  ;  panicle  lax,  few-flowered. 
HAB.  Rocky  river  banks.     June,   7J.;   root  creeping;   stem  erect: 

Jlowers  few,  drooping,  blue. 
C.  amplexicaulis :  stem  simple,  erect ;  leaves  cordate,  crenate,  amplex- 

icaul ;   flowers  axillary,  sessile,  glomerate. 
HAB.  Fields  and  dry  hills.     May — July,  <v) ;  stem  8 — 12  inches  high, 

hispid  ;  leaves  veined  ;  Jlower  purple. 
C.  aparanoides :  stem  slender,  branched,  acutely  subtriangular ;  angles 

with  the  margin  and  nerves  of  the  leaves,  retrorsely  aculeate  ;  leaves 

linear-lanceolate,  smooth  above ;    peduncles  few,  terminal,  filiform, 

flexuous,  1 -flowered. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows.     June — August,  <2>  ;  erect  or  diffuse,  one  foot 

high  ;  leaves  dentic.  ;  Jlowers  small,  white. 

110.  LOBELIA. 

L.  Dortmanna :  leaves  linear,  fleshy,  2-celled,  obtuse ;  scape  nearly 
naked  ;  flowers  racemed,  remote. 

HAB.  Swamps — subaquatic.  July,  1|-;  leaves  immersed;  radical 
ones  spreading  ;  scape  long,  3 — ^-flowered  ;  cor.  blue. 

L.  kalmii  :  whole  plant  smooth  ;  stem  slender,  erect,  branched ;  leaves 
linear,  remotely  denticulate ;  radical  ones  spathulate ;  raceme  lax, 
few-flowered,  leafy ;  peduncles  longer  than  the  fruit,  with  two  minute 
bracts  near  the  flower ;  capsule  attenuate  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Rocky  banks  of  rivers.     July—  August,  ^  1  stem  12— 18  inch- 
es high  ;  peduncle  one  inch  long  ;  Jlower  pale  blue. 
29* 


332  PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

L.  Claytoniana  :  stem  erect,  simple,  pubescent ;  leaves  oblong,  pu- 
bescent, obtuse,  nearly  entire ;  radical  ones  spathulate ;  raceme  virgate, 
naked  ;  segments  of  the  calyx  subulate ;  nearly  as  long  as  the  tube 
of  the  corolla. 

HAB.  Dry  woods  and  fields.  August,  1|_;  stem  1^—2  feet  high; 
radical  leaves  nearly  entire  ;  flower  pale  blue. 

L.  siphilitica ;  stem  erect,  rather  hairy ;  leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  un- 
equally serrate ;  raceme  leafy ;  calyx  hairy,  with  the  sinuses  re- 
flexed. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  September,  7].;  stem  l\ — 2 feet  high,  flower 
on  short  pedicels,  large,  bright  blue. 

L.  inflata :  stem  hairy,  branched  ;  leaves  ovate-lanceolate ;  racemes 
leafy,  somewhat  paniculate ;  capsules  inflated. 

HAB.  Fields.  August,  ©  ;  acrid,  a  foot  or  more  high  ;  leaves  cre- 
nate  ;  flower  pedunc.,  small,  pale  blue. 

L.  Cardinalis  ;  stem  erect ;  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  serrate  ;  raceme 
secund,  somewhat  leafy  ;  stamens  longer  than  the  corolla. 

HAB.  Wet  grounds.  July— August,  2J. ;  2  feet  high,  very  smooth  ; 
flower  large,  bright  scarlet. 

111.  DIERVILLA. 

D.    Tournefortii. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  June,  T2 ;  shrub  2 — 3  feet  high,  branched , 
leaves  opposite,  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate  ;  peduncle  axillary,  2 — 3 
flowered ;  corolla  yellow. 

112.  LONICERA.     Honey-suckle. 

L.  parvlflora  :  spikes  verticillate  capitate  ;  leaves  deciduous,  glaucous 
beneath,  all  of  them  connate-perfoliate ;  corolla  ringent,  gibbous  at 
the  base  ;  filaments  bearded. 

HAB.  Rocky  places.  June,  T?  ;  climbing — glaucous,  leaves  ovate  or 
oblong  ;  flower  yellow  ;  berries  red. 

113.  XYLOSTEUM. 

X.  ciliatum :  leaves  ovate  and  subcordate,  ciliate ;  the  younger  ones 
villose  beneath  ;  tube  of  the  corolla  calcarate  at  the  base,  ventricose 
above  ;  segments  short,  acute ;  style  exserted. 

HAB.  Mountains.  May — June,  ^  ;  3 — 4 feet  high — branch,  spread- 
ing— leaves  on  short  pet. — flower  axillary,  yellow. 

114.  TRIOSTEUM. 

T .  perfoliatum :  leaves  oval,  acuminate,  abruptly  narrowed  at  the  base, 

connate,  pubescent  beneath  ;  axils  1 — 3-flowered. 
HAB.  Rocky  woods.     June,  Q| ;  stem  2 — 3  feet  high  ;  leaves  largt 

— flower  sessile,  dull  purple — berries  orange. 

115.  IMPATIENS.     Balsam. 
I.  pallida  ;  peduncles  solitary,  3— 4-flowered  ;  nectary  obtusely  conic, 


PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  333 

dilated,  shorter  than  the  petals  ;  spur  recurved,  very  short ;  flowers 

sparingly  punctate ;  leaves  rhombic-ovate,  mucronately  toothed. 
HAB.  Wet  shady  places.     August,  <v) ;  stem  %  feet  high,  tender  and 

succulent ;  leaves  alternate  ;  flowers  yellow  ;  seeds  elliptical. 
I.  fulva  :    peduncles  solitary,  3 — 4-flowered  ;  nectary  acutely  conic, 

longer  than  the  petals;  spur  resupinate,  emarginate,  nearly  as  long 

as   the  galea ;    flowers  with  crowded  spots ;    leaves  rhombic-ovate, 

obtuse,  mucronate  toothed. 
HAB.    Wet  shady  places.     August,  <v>;  plant  glauc.  and  diaph. ; 

capsule  5-angled,  3 — 5  seeded  ;  seeds  prismatic. 

116.  VIOLA.     Violet. 

*  Stemless. 
t  Flowers  blue. 

V.  pedata  ;  leaves  pedate,  nearly  smooth,  about  7-parted ;  segments 
linear-lanceolate,  entire;  stigma  large,  obliquely  truncate,  and  per- 
forate at  the  apex. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills  and  dry  woods.  May,  rl\.;  leaves  with  obtuse  seg- 
ment ;  stip.  ciliate ;  flower  large,  pale  blue. 

V.  palmata  ;  pubescent ;  leaves  cordate,  (rarely  entire,)  palmate,  or 
hastate-lobed ;  lobes  crenate  and  toothed,  the  middle  one  much  the 
largest ;  2  lateral  petals  bearded ;  stigma  margined,  depressed. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  May,  1\.-y  leaves  never  smooth;  stip.  lanceo- 
late ;  flower  middle-sized  ;  stigma  rostrate. 

V.  ovata  :  leaves  ovate,  subcordatc,  crenate,  often  lacerately  toothed  at 
the  base,  pubescent  on  both  sides  ;  petiole  margined ;  segments  of 
the  calyx  oblong-lanceolate,  hairy. 

HAB.  Dry  hills.  April— May,  7J-;  leaves  generally  almost  woolly 
—flower  middle-sized — stigma  recurved,  rostrate. 

V.  cucullata  :  very  smooth  ;  leaves  cordate,  cucullate  at  the  base,  ser- 
rate ;  stipules  linear  ;  inferior  and  lateral  petals  bearded. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  April — May,  % ;  leaves  subrenif.  on  long 
petioles  ;  beard  of  the  petiole  rigid. 

t  t  Flowers  yellow. 

V.  rotundifolia  :  leaves  orbicular-ovate,  cordate,  slightly  crenate,  near- 
ly smooth ;  sinus  closed ;  petiole  pubescent ;  lateral  petals  bearded 
segments  of  the  calyx  obtuse  ;  spur  nearly  obsolete. 

HAB.  Shady  rocky  woods.  May,  1}. ;  leaves  appress.  to  the  earth, 
on  short  pet.  ;  pet.  broad  ovate,  striate. 

t  I"  t  Flowers  somewhat  regular,  small,  white. 

V.  lanceolata :  leaves  very  smooth,  lanceolate,  attenuated  into  a  peti- 
ole at  the  base,  rather  obtuse,  subserrate ;  petals  beardless. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  April — May,  Tj.;  leaves  2 — 4  in.  long,  very 
narroic  ;  flower  inodorous,  veined. 

V.  acuta ';  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  smooth,  abruptly  decurrent  at  the 
base  ;  bracts  lanceo'ate-linear  ;  petals  acute,  of  nearly  equal  length, 
beardless 


334  PENTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

HAB.  Moist   grounds.      May,    1\. ;   leaves  rarely  subcordate  ;  pet. 

ovate,  lowest  one  veined. 
V.  blanda :    leaves   broad-cordate,   slightly   pubescent   above ;    sinus 

rounded  ;  petiole  smooth  ;  flowers  beardless. 
HAB.  Wet  grounds.     April— May,  1J. ;  leaves  nearly  flat  membran., 

often  subrenif.  ;  Jlower  odorous. 

*  *  Caulescent. 

V.  canadensis :  nearly  smooth;  leaves  cordate,  acuminate,  serrate-, 
peduncles  shorter  than  the  leaves ;  petals  oblong,  narrow ;  stipules 
ovate-lanceolate,  entire. 

HAB.  Moist  rocky  woods.  May— July,  *4 ;  stem  4—18  in.  high, 
erect,  simple  ;  Jlower  large,  blue. 

V,  Muhlenberghii:  stem  weak,  assurgent;  leaves  reniform-cordate ; 
the  upper  ones  a  little  acuminate,  crenate-serrate,  smooth ;  stipules 
lanceolate,  serrate-ciliate ;  nectary  produced;  stigma  tubular,  ros- 
trate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  May,  Tj.  ;  stem  6 — 10  in.  long,  branched  below  ; 
bracts  alternate  ;  Jlowers  blue. 

V.  rostrata  :  smooth  ;  stem  diffuse,  erect ;  leaves  cordate,  the  upper 
ones  acute,  serrate  ;  stipules  lanceolate,  serrate-ciliate ;  petals  beard- 
less ;  nectary  longer  than  the  corolla. 

HAB,  Wet  rocky  places.  April — May,  7J.;  stem  6  in.  high;  pe- 
dunc.  long ;  Jlower  large,  blue;  stigma  subclavate. 

V.  pubescent :  villous  pubescent ;  stem  erect,  naked  below ;  leaves 
broad-cordate,  toothed  ;  stipules  ovate,  subdentate. 

HAB.  Dry  stony  woods.  April — May;  stem  simp.,  6 — 8  in.  high, 
bracteate  ;  leaves  2 — 3  ;  Jlower  yellow. 

b.  eriocarpa  :   capsule  densely  villous. 

117.  CLAYTONIA. 

C.  virginica  :  leaves  linear-lanceolate ;  petals  obovate,  retuse ;  leaves 

of  the  calyx  somewhat  acute ;  root  tuberous. 
HAB.  Moist  woods.     April — May,  rl\.;  smooth,  erect  or  procumb. 

leaves  Jew,  opposite  ;  Jlowers  raceme.,  rose-col, 
b.  latifoUa  :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate ;   leaflets  of  the  calyx  obtuse. 
HAB.  Mountainous  districts. 

118.  CEANOTHUS.     New  Jersey  tea. 

C.  americanus :  leaves  ovate-oblong,  serrate,  triply-nerved,  tomentose- 
pubescent  beneath ;  panicles  axillary,  on  long  peduncles. 

HAB.  Woods  and  copses.  July,  1?  ;  root  large,  red  ;  stem  2 — kfeet 
high  ;  leaves  alternate  ;  Jl.  minute,  white. 

119.  CELASTRUS.     Staff-tree. 

C.   scandens :    stem   climbing,  unarmed;    leaves  oblong,  acuminate, 

serrate ;  racemes  terminal ;  flowers  dioecious. 
HAB.  Woods  and  thickets.     June,  b  ;   leaves  alternate,  stipulate : 

raceme  fcw-Jl.  ;  pet.  greenish-yel.  •  fruit  red. 


PENTANDRIA  -  MONOGYNIA.  3*35 

120.  RHAMNUS.     Buck-thorn. 


R.  alnifolius  :  unarmed;  leaves  oval,  acuminate,  serrulate,  pubescent 
on  the  nerves  beneath  ;  flowers  dioecious  ;  peduncles  1-flowered,  ag- 


gregate ;  calyx  acute  ;  fruit  turbinate. 
HAB. 


.  Rocky  hills.     May.     Shrub  small;  leaves  alternate;  flower 
small,  greenish,,  in  axillary  fascic.  ;  fruit  black. 

121.  VITIS.     Vine. 

V.  labrusca  :  leaves  broad-cordate,  angularly  sub-3-lobed,  cinereous- 

tomentose  beneath  ;  racemes  small  ;  berries  large. 
HAB.  Woods  and  hedges.     June  —  July,  T?  ;    leaves  very  large,  at 

first  ferrug.  beneath  ;  Jlower  greenish  ;  fruit  purp. 
V.  vulpina  :  leaves  cordate,  acuminate,   incisely  toothed,  smooth    on 

both  sides  ;  racemes  loose,  many-flowered  ;  berries  small. 
HAB.  Woods  and  river-banks.     June,   !?  ;  leaves  3  —  4  in.   broad; 

veins  a  little  pubes.  ;  fruit  sm.,  amber-col. 

122.  CISSUS. 

C.  hcderacea:  stem  climbing  and  rooting;  leaves  quinate-digitate, 
smooth  ;  leaflets  petiolate,  oblong,  acuminate,  toothed  ;  racemes  cy- 
mose,  dichotomous  ;  nectary  0. 

HAB.  Woods.  July,  ^  ;  leaves  on  long  pet.  ;  Jlower  greenish  ;  ber- 
ry small,  dark-blue,  acid. 

123.  RIBES.     Currant  and  Gooseberry. 

*  Stems  without  thorns. 

R.  Jloridum  :  unarmed  ;  leaves  punctate  both  sides,  acutely  3-lobed, 

pubescent;    racemes  pendulous;    calyx  tubular;  bracts  longer  than 

the  pedicels. 
HAB.  Woods  and  hedges.     April—  May,  ^  ;  shrub  3—  4  ft  .  high— 

Jlower  greenish  —  berry  black. 
R.  tnjidum:  leaves  moderately  lobed,  smooth  above,  pubescent  be- 

neath ;  racemes  loose,  pubescent  ;  flowers  rather  flat,  with  the  seg- 

ments  of  the  calyx   subtrifid  ;    petals   spathulate,   obtuse  ;    berries 

hairy. 
HAB.  Mountains.      April  —  May,  fy  ;    leaves  with  subacute  lobes- 

pet.  purp.  —  berry  red. 
R.  rigens  :  branches  straight  ;  leaves  acutely  lobed  and  dentate,  reticu- 

late-rugose, pubescent  beneath  ;  racemes  rather  loose,  many-flowered 

becoming  stiffly  erect  ;  berries  hispid. 
HAB.    Mountains.     May,  ^7  ;  leaves  on  long  pet.  —  raceme  6  —  10^/Z 

—  -Jlower  purp.  —  berry  red. 

*  *  Stems  thorny. 
R.  triftorum  :  spines  subaxillary  ;  leaves  smooth,  3  —  Globed,  inciseh 


33*5  PKNTANDRIA DIGYNIA. 

toothed  ;  peduncles  about  3-flowered  ;  pedicels  elongated  ;  bracts  very 
short ;  petals  spathulate,  undulate ;  style  hairy,  exserted,  deeply  £• 
cleft ;  berries  smooth. 

124.  THESIUM.     Bastard  toad-flax. 

T.  umbellatum  :  stem  erect ;  leaves  oval-lanceolate ;  fascicles  of  flow- 
ers terminal,  subcorymbed. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills  and  woods.  July — Aug.  Ij.;  stem  I  foot  high; 
leaves  alternate,  entire  ;  flowers  white. 

125.  ANYCHIA. 

A.  dichotoma :  stem  erect  or  spreading,  dichotomously  branched; 
leaves  lanceolate,  smooth,  acute ;  flowers  about  as  long  as  the  sti- 


HAB.  Dry  woods  and  hills.  June — Aug.  <v) ;  st  em  fllif,  pub  es.  above 
— leaves  opposite — -Jl.  solitary,  very  minute. 

b.  capillacea :  very  smooth ;  flowers  spreading,  longer  than  the  stipules 
at  their  base. 

HAB.  Pine-barrens.  Aug.  A  span  high  ;  leaves  smaller,  often  ob- 
tuse. 

DIGYNIA. 
126.  APOCYNUM.     Dog's-bane. 

A.  androsaemifolium  :  leaves  ovate,  smooth  on  both  sides ;  cymes 
lateral  and  terminal,  smooth;  tube  of  the  corolla  longer  than  the 
calyx. 

HAB.  Fields  and  hedges.  June— July,  2J.;  stem  2— 3  feet  high- 
branch,  spreading— flower  pink — border  spreading. 

A.  pubescens :  stem  erect ;  leaves  ovate,  hoary-pubescent  beneath ; 
cymes  pubescent ;  corolla  longer  than  the  calyx ;  border  erect. 

HAB.  Borders  of  fields.  June— July,  TJ. ;  branches  few,  erect ; 
petiole  short  ;  flowers  few,  small,  greenish. 

A.  cannabinum:  leaves  lanceolate,  acute  at  each  end,  smooth  on  both 
sides ;  cymes  paniculate  ;  calyx  as  long  as  the  tube  of  the  corolla. 

HAB.  Fields  and  borders  of  woods.  June,  'ZJ. ;  branches  slender— 
cym.  many-fl. — cor- small,  campan.,  greenish. 

127.  ASCLEPIAS.     Silk-weed, 

*  Leaves  opposite. 

A.  syriaca  :  stem  subsimple ;  leaves  lanceolate-oblong,  petiolate,  to- 
mentose  beneath;  umbels  nodding;  nectary  bidentate;  follicles 
muricate. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields,  &c.  July— Aug.  1]  ;  stem  2—4  feet  hiffh— 
umb.  2 — 3;  15  20^/Z.  ;fl.  large,  pale-purp. 


PENTANDR1A O1GVNIA.  337 

A.  phitolaccoides :  stem  erect,  simple ;  leaves  broad-lanceolate,  acumi- 
nate, smooth,  pale  beneath ;  umbels  many-flowered,  lateral  and  tez- 
minal,  solitary,  on  long  peduncles,  nodding ;  nectary  bidendate. 

HAB.  Shady  wet  places.  June— July,  Tj-  5  stem  3~ 4  feet  high ; 
leaves  large;  umb.  6 — 1Q-JI.  ;  Jl.  greenish purp. 

A.  obtusifolia:  leaves  amplexicaul,  oblong,  obtuse,  undulate,  very 
smooth,  glaucous  beneath ;  umbel  terminal,  long-pedunculate,  gener- 
ally solitary  ;  nectary  slightly  2-toothed ;  horns  exserted. 

A.,  incarnata :  stem  erect,  branched  above,  tomentose,  leaves  subses- 
sile,  lanceolate,  tomentose,  umbels  erect,  generally  by  pairs ;  nectary 
entire ;  horns  subulate,  exserted. 

fJAB.  Wet  places.  1\.;  stem  2 — 3  feet  high;  umb.  numerous, 
crowded  ;  Jlowers  pale-pui~p.  ;  nectary  truncate. 

5.  pulchra :  stem  and  leaves  very  hairy. 

1.  debilis:  very  smooth;  stem  erect,  weak,  simple;  leaves  petiolate, 
oval-lanceolate,  acute  at  each  extremity,  membranaceous ;  umbels 
terminal,  loose. 

iAB.  Shady  rocky  places.     7j. ;    leaves  large  ;  Jlowers  white. 

i.  quadrifolia:  stem  erect,  simple,  smooth;  leaves  by  fours,  ovate, 
acuminate,  .petiolate ;  umbels  2,  terminal,  erect,  loose ;  pedicels  ca- 
pillary ;  nectary  bidendate ;  horn  very  short. 

#AB.  Dry  stony  woods.  June,  7J. ;  stem  18  inches  high ;  leaves 
•mostly  8 ;  2  middle  pairs  approx.  ;  umb.  on  long  pedunc.  ;  Jl.  small, 
white. 

A.,  viridiftora  :  stem  erect,  simple,  hairy ;  leaves  oblong,  on  short  pe- 
tioles, tomentose-pubescent  on  both  sides,  obtuse;  umbels  lateral, 
solitary,  subsessile,  nodding,  dense ;  horns  of  the  nectary  wanting. 

'iAB.  Sandy  fields.  July,  I}.;  stem  2  feet  high,  densely  pubes.; 
leaves  thick  ;  umb.  subglob.  ;  Jl.  green. 

'».  lanceolata :  leaves  lanceolat  "•,  acute. 

:.  obovata  :  leaves  obovate. 

A.  verticillata :  stem  simple,  marked  with  pubescent  lines;  leaves 
mostly  verticillate,  narrow-linear,  revolute;  nectaries  short,  biden 
date ;  horns  falcate,  much  exserted. 

tIAB.  Dry  hills.  July,  1\.;  stem  about  3  feet  high,  very  slender  ; 
whorls  5 — 6-leav. ;  Jl.  small,  whitish. 

*  *  Leajlets  alternate. 

A.,  tuberosa :  stem  erect,  hairy,  with  spreading  branches;  leaves  ob- 
long-lanceolate, sessile ;  umbels  numerous,  forming  terminal  co- 
rymbs. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  Aug.  7|. ;  root  large,  tub.;  stem  3  feet  high ; 
Jlower  large,  bright  orange. 

128.  GENTIANA.     Gentian. 

G.  saponaria:  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  acute,  3-nerved;  flowers  ver- 
ticillate-capitate,  sessile ;  corolla  ventricose,  closed,  10-cleft ;  interior 
segments  unequally  3-cleft,  as  long  as  the  exterior  ones ;  segments 
of  the  calyx  ovate,  shorter  than  the  tube. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  Sept.— Oct.  1|_;  stem  18  in.  high,  simp.; 
leaves  opposite  ;  Jl.  very  large,  bright  blue. 

G.  quinqueflora :  stem  quadrangular,  branched;  leaves  ovate-lanceo- 
late, acute,  3-nerved ;  flowers  somewhat  in  fives,  terminal  and  axil- 


3  PENTANDRIA. DIOYNIA 

Jary,  pedicellate ;  corolla  tubular-campanulate,  5-clefl ;  segments  se- 
taeeously  acuminate ;  calyx  very  short. 

RAB.  Woods  and  hill  sides.  Sept.— Oct.  <?;  stem  1  Joot  high., 
rarely  simple  ;  Jlower  small,  pale  blue. 

0.  crinita:  stem  terete;  branches  elongated,  1 -flowered;  leaves  Ian 
ceolate,  acute ;  corolla  half  4-cleft ;  segments  incisely  ciliate. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  Oct.— Nov.  <£;  stem  18  in.  high,  quad- 
rang,  above  ;  Jlower  very  large,  blue. 

129.  CUSCUTA.     Dodder. 

C.  americana:  flowers  pedunculate,  umbellate,  5-cleft;  stigmas  capi- 
tate ;  corolla  tubular-campanulate,  with  the  border  small  and  spread- 
ing. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  June — August,  <v) ;  stems  flliform,  orange, 
parasit.  twining  ;  Jlower  in  dense  clusters. 

130.  HEUCHERA. 

H.  americana :  viscidly-pubescent ;  scape  and  leaves  a  little  scabrous ; 

leaves  with  rounded  lobes,  dentate;  teeth  dilated,  obtuse  mucronate; 

panicle  dichotomous ;  calyx  short,  obtuse ;  petals  lanceolate,  as  long 

as  the  calyx. 
HAB.  Shady  rocky  places.     June — July,  9]_;  leaves  radical  on  long 

petioles  ;  scape  2 — 3  feet  long  ;  Jlower  purple. 

131.   PANAX.     Ginseng. 

P.  trifolium:   leaves  ternate;  leaflets  subsessile;  styles  3;  berry  tri< 

coccous ;  root  globose. 
HAB.  Moist  woods.     April — May,    9^.;    root   tubular;    stem  4 — 8 

inches  high  ;  leaflets  oblong-lanceolate  ;  flowers  white,  berry  green 

132.  CHENOPODIUM.     Goose-foot. 

C.  album:  leaves  rhomboid-ovate,  erose,  entire  at  the  oase;  upper 
ones  oblong,  very  entire ;  racemes  branched,  somewhat  leafy ;  seed 
smooth. 

HAB.  Cultivated  grounds,  &c.  July— Sept.  © ;  stem  erect,  2 — 4 
feet  high  ;  leaves  mealy. 

b.  viride :  leaves  greener  and  more  entire ;  racemes  more  branched,  a 
little  leafy. 

C.  rubrum :  leaves  rhomboid-triangular,  deeply  toothed  and  sinuate ; 
racemes  erect,  compound  leafy. 

HAB.  Waste  places.  July,  (v) ;  stem  reddish ;  leaves  dark  green, 
glomerules  minute. 

C.  Botrys:  leaves  oblong,  sinuate;  racemes  naked,  much  divided. 

HAB.  Sandy  waste  places.  Aug. — Sept.  <v) ;  1  foot  high,  sweet- 
scented,  viscid-pubes. ;  flower  distinct. 

133.  SALSOLA.     Salt-wort. 
8.  Kali :  herbaceous,  decumbent :  leaves  subulate,  canaliculate,  spin- 


PENTANDRIA DIQYNIA  339 

ose;  flowers  axillary,  solitary;   fructiferous  calyx  with  a  scanoua 
margin. 

HAB.  Sea-coast.  Aug.  ©;  stem  much  branched,  pubescent ;  calyx 
spreading ;  leaves  subulate. 

134.  ULMUS.     Elm. 

U.  americana;  branches  smooth;  leaves  somewhat  doubly  serrate, 
unequal  at  the  base ;  serratures  uncinately  acuminate ;  flowers  pedi- 
cellate ;  fruit  fimbriate. 

HAB.  Woods.  April.  A  large  tree;  branches  long,  recurved; 
leaves  alternate  ;  flowers  purplish,  small,  appearing  before  the  leaves. 

U.  fulva :  leaves  oval-oblong,  much  acuminate,  pubescent  on  both 
sides ;  buds  tomentose ;  flowers  sessile. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  April.  Tree  20—25  feet  high;  flower  con- 
glom.,  ciliate  ;  stamens  7. 

135.  SANICULA.     Sanicle. 

S.  marilandica  :  leaves  all  digitate;  leaflets  oblong,  incisely  serrate; 

staminiferous  flowers  numerous,  pedicellate. 
HAB.    Woods  and  thickets.     June — Aug.    1].;    stem  2  feet  high; 

Jlower s  in  small  capit.  ;  umb.  white. 
b.  canadensis  :  leaves  subternate ;  leaflets  ovate,  coarsely  toothed. 

136.  HYDROCOTYLE.     Marsh  penny-wort. 

H.  vulgaris :  leaves  peltate,  orbicular,  crenate ;  umbels  capitate,  abou 

5-flowered. 
HAB.    Wet  places.     7J..     Root  creeping;  flowers  in  interrupted 

spikes  ;  flower  whitish. 
H.  americana:   smooth;    root  tuberous;  leaves  reniform,  somewhat 

7-lobed,  crenate ;  umbels  few-flowered,  sessile. 
HAB.  Wet  shady  places.    June — Aug.  1J. ;  creeping ;  stemflliform , 

umbel  very  small,  glomerate. 

137.  SISON.     Honey-wort. 

S.  aureus:  stem  nearly  simple,   sulcate;    leaves  biternate,   shining, 

leaflets  oblong-lanceolate,  attenuate  at  the  base,  incisely  serrate ;  in- 

volucrum  0. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills.    June— July,  7|.;  stem  l£— 2  feet  fyigh  ;  umbel 

comp.  ;  flower  yellow  ;  fruit  dark  colored. 
S.  integerrimus :  stem   nearly  simple ;  leaves  bi-tri-ternate,  glaucous, 

very  entire ;  leaflets  oval,  entire ;  umbel  with  elongated  rays ;  invo- 

lucrum  0. 
HAB.  Meadows  and  mountains.     June,   7J. ;  stem  18   inches  high ; 

rays  of  the  umbel  filiform  ;  flower  yellow  ;  fruit  black. 
S.  capillaceus:  leaves  decompound,   filiform;    stem  dichotomous,  art- 

gular ;  involucrum  subpinnatifid. 
HAB.  Brackish  meadows.     July — October,   <v) ;  much  branched,  * 

foot  long  :  umbel  axillary,  pedunc. ;  Jlower  white. 


340  PKNTANDRIA DIGYNIA. 

138.  CNIDIUM. 

C.  canadense :    stem   angular,   flexuous ;    leaves  bipinnate,   shining 

leaflets  many-parted  ;   segments  lanceolate. 
HAB.  Mouths  of  rivers. 
C.  atropurpureum  :    radical   leaves  subcordate,  simple,  serrate ,  cau- 

line  ones  ternate ;  leaflets  ovate,  acute   subcordate  ;  middle  one  peti- 

olate ;  partial  involucra  dimidiate,  3-leaved. 
HAB.    Rocky   banks  of  rivers.     June,   1\. ;    stem  2 — 3  feet  high ; 

Jlower  dark  purple. 

139.  SMYRNIUM.     Alexanders. 

fc>.  cordatum :  radical  leaves  simple,  cordate,  crenate ;  stem-leaves  ter- 
nate, serrate ;  umbels  terminal. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  May— June,  7j_;  stem  2—  3  feet  high;  radical 
leaves  on  long  petioles  ;  Jlowers  yellow  ;  fruit  black. 

140.  CICUTA. 

C.  maculata:  stem  spotted;  leaves  triternate;  leaflets  subternate, 
lanceolate,  acuminate,  mucronately-serrate ;  umbels  axillary  and 
terminal ;  partial  involucra  setaceous. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  July— Aug.  1J- ;  stem  3—6  feet  high,  glauc., 
umbel  large,  slender ;  Jlower  white.  Poisonous. 

C.  bulbifera :  leaves  various,  ternate  and  biternate,  bulbiferous ;  leaf- 
lets linear  and  linear-lanceolate,  remotely  toothed ;  umbels  terminal, 
solitary. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  Q ;  stem  2—3  feet  high,  slender,  bulbifer- 
ous in  the  axils.  ;  umbels  small  ;  Jlowers  white. 

141.  DAUCUS.     Carrot. 

D.  Carota:   stem  hispid;    leaves  tripinnate;    leaflets  incised,  linear- 
lanceolate,  acute ;  umbel  at  length  concave  ;  fruit  bristly. 

HAB.  Old  fields.  June— Aug.  $ ;  stem  2  feet  high;  leaves  pale 
green,  Jlowers  white. 

142.  MYRRHIS. 

M.  Claytoni :  stem  hairy,  (at  first  hoary  white ;)  leaves  biternate, 
pubescent ;  leaflets  incisely  lobed,  dentate ;  umbel  3-rayed ;  central 
flowers  abortive  ;  universal  and  partial  involucra  3 — 5- leaved,  lan- 
ceolate, ciliate ;  fruit  attenuate  at  the  base,  with  hispid  angles,  not 
rostrate ;  style  very  short. 

HAB.  Shady  rocky  places.  May — June,  7]. ;  root  fusiform ;  stem  2 
feet  high  ;  fruit  linear-lanceolate,  blackish. 

M.  canadensis :  leaves  ternate,  smooth ;  leaflets  rhomboid-ovate,  acute, 
incisely  toothed,  acutely  serrate;  partial  involucra  minute,  subulate  ; 
fruit  oblong,  very  smooth. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  June,  7J.;  stem  1J — 2  feet  high,  erect,  smooth 
-umbels  num. ;  fr.  3  lin.  long. 


PENTANDRIA TRIGYNIA.  341 

143.  SIUM.     Water-parsnip. 

S.  laiifolium :  stem  angular ;  submerged  leaves  bipinnatifid  ;  upper 
ones  pinnate ;  leaflets  oblong-lanceolate,  unequal  at  the  base,  acute- 
ly serrate ;  umbels  terminal. 

HAB.  Shady  swamps.  July,  1j- ;  root  creeping  ;  stem  1-angled,  18 
inches  high  ;  leafl.  4  pairs  ;  flower  -white. 

S.  lineare :  stem  angular  and  sulcate ;  leaves  pinnate  ;  leaflets  4 — 5 
pairs,  linear-lanceolate,  acutely  and  finely  serrate ;  involucra  many- 
leaved,  linear,  umbels  terminal. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  7J.;  stem  1-ang.,  2 — 3  feet  high;  leaflets 
long  and  narrow  ;  Jlower  white  ;  calyx  obsolete. 

144.  CONIUM.     Hemlock. 

C.  maculatum  :  stem  very  smooth,  spotted  ;  leaves  tripinnate  ;  leaflets 
lanceolate,  pinnatifid ;  segments  lanceolate,  nearly  entire. 

HAB.  Roads  sides,  &c.  July,  tf  ;  stem  2 — 4  feet  high  ;  leaves  smooth 
and  shining  ;  Jlower  white.  Poisonous. 

145.  HERACLEUM.     Cow-parsnip. 

H.  lanatum :  leaves  ternate,  petiolate,  tomentose  beneath  ;  leaflets  pe- 
tioled,  round-cordate,  lobed  ;  fruit  orbicular. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June,  'ZJ. ;  stem  3 — 5  feet  high,  thick  pu- 
bescent ;  umbel  large  ;  Jlower  white. 

146.  PASTINACA.     Parsnip. 

P.  saliva :  stem  sulcate ;  leaves  pinnate  ;  leaflets  subpubescent  beneath, 

oblong,  incised ;  terminal  one  3-lobed. 
HAB.  Fields,  &e.     July— Sept.  tf  ;  stem  2  feet  high,  smooth  ;  leaflet 

sessile  ;  Jlower  yellow. 

147.  ANGELICA. 

A.  triquinata :  stem  terete,  pubescent  above ;  leaves  ternate,  very 
smooth ;  the  partitions  quinate  ;  leaflets  oblong-ovate,  equally  serrate ; 
the  inferior  ones  2-lobed  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  Aug.  7J.;  stem  3 — 5  feet  high,  straight,  white 
above,  leaves  thick ;  Jlower  white. 

A.  atropurpurea  :  stem  smooth,  colored  ;  leaves  ternate  ;  the  partitions 
subquinate ;  leaflets  ovate  acute,  incisely  serrate,  sublobed ;  the  three 
terminal  ones  confluent ;  petioles  very  large,  inflated. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June,  Tj. ;  root  aromatic;  stem  3 — 5  fee.t 
high,  thick,  purplish  ;  Jlower  greenish. 

TRIGYNIA. 
148.  VIBURNUM. 

V.  Lentago:  smooth;  leaves  broad-ovate,  acuminate,  acutely  serrate; 
petioles  margined,  undulate ;  cymes  sessile. 


342  PENTANDRIA TRIOYNIA. 

HAB.    Rocky  woods.     May.     Shrub  8—12  feet  high ;  leaves  thret 

inches  long,  often  subcordate  ;  berry  black. 
V.  nudum  :  leaves  oval-oblong ;  margin  revolute  and  obscurely  cren- 

ulate ;  petioles  naked ;  cymes  pedunculate. 
HAB.  Swamps.     June.     Shrub  8 — IQ  feet  high;  leaves  b  inches  long, 

punct.  and  reticulate  beneath ;  berry  blue. 
V.  Lantanoides :  leaves  orbicular-cordate,  abruptly  acuminate  ;  nerves 

and  petioles  pulverulent-tomentose,  unequally  serrate ;  cymes  closely 

sessile. 
HAB.  Rocky  woods.     May— June.     Shrub  4—8  feet  high ;  leaves 

large,  with  the  nerve  rusty  ;  cymes  often  radiate. 
V.   dentatum  ;  nearly  smooth  ;  leaves  on  long  petioles,  orbicular-ovate, 

dentate-serrate,  plicate ;  axils  of  the  veins  pubescent  beneath ;  cymes 

pedunculate ;  fruit  subglobose. 
HAB.  Woods  and  hedges.     June.     Shrub  8  feet  high,  with  straight 

branches;  berry  small  blue. 

V.  acerifnlium :  leaves  subcordate,  three-lobed,  acutely  serrate,  pu- 
bescent beneath ;  lobes  acuminate,  petioles  without  glands,  hairy ; 

cymes  on  long  peduncles. 
HAB    Rocky  woods.     May — June.     Shrub  4 — 6  feet  high  ;  leaves 

broad ;  berry  oval,  compressed,  blackish. 

V.  Oxycoccus :  leaves  3-lobed,  acute  at  the  base,  3-nerved ;  lobes  di- 
varicate, acuminate,  remotely  and  obtusely  dentate ;  petioles  gland 

ular  ;  cymes  radiate. 
HAB.    Mountain  woods.     May — June.     A  small  shrub;   branches 

spreading ;  berry  large,  red,  acid. 

149.  SAMBUCUS.     Elder. 

S.  canadensis  :  nerves  and  petioles  very  smooth  ;  leaflets  oblong-oval, 
about  three  pairs,  acuminate,  smooth;  midrib  subpubescent;  cymes 
lax  ;  stem  frutescent. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  May — July.  Shrub  G — 10  feet  high;  leaves 
often  bipinnate ;  flower  white,  berry  deep  purple. 

S.  pvbens :  petioles  and  leaves  beneath  pubescent;  leaflets  oval  lan- 
ceolate ;  cymes  paniculate ;  stem  fruticose. 

HAB.  Mountains.  June.  Shrub  6 — 8  feet  high ;  leaves  simply  pin- 
nate, 3  pairs  ;  berry  small^  red. 

150.  RHUS.     Sumach. 

*  Leaves  pinnate. 

R.  glabrum :   leaflets  lanceolate,  smooth,  acuminate,  acutely  serrate, 

whitish  beneath ;  flowers  perfect ;    fruit  downy. 
HAB.  Hedges  and  thickets.     July.      Shrub  6—12  feet  high,  with 

strag.  branches ;  leaflets  12— 15  pairs ;  berry  crimson. 
R.   typhinum  :  branches  and  petioles  very  villous  ;    leaflets  in  many 

pairs,  lanceolate-oblong,   acuminate,  acutely  serrate,   pubescent  be- 
neath. 
HAB.  Rocky-hills.     June.     Shrub  8— 15  feet  high  ;  leaflets  10— 15 

pairs— panicles  dense,  oblong ;  berry  purple  villose. 
R.  copallinum  :  petiole  winged ;  leaflets  in  many  pairs,  oval-lanceolate, 

very  entire,  shining  on  the  upper  surface ;   panicle  sessile ;  flowers 

dioecious. 


PENTANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.  343 

HAB.  Dry  woods  and  hills  sides.  July.  Shrub  4—8  feet  ligk ; 
Leaflets  dark-green,  5—6  pairs ;  berry  red,  hairy. 

R.  Vernlx .  very  smooth ;  leaflets  in  many  pairs,  oval,  abruptly  acu- 
minate, entire  ;  panicle  loose,  flowers  dioecious. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June— July.  A  small  tree  ;  leaflets  5  pairs,  subset- 
sile ;  panicles  clustering ;  berry  smooth,  whitish. 


*  *  Leaves  ternate. 

R.  Toxicodendron :  stem  erect ;  leaflets  broad-oval,  entire  or  sinuate- 
dentate,  subpubescent  beneath ;  flowers  dioecious,  in  sessile  axillary 
racemes. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  June— July.  Shrub  1— 3  feet  high,  smooth  ; 
leaves  shining  above ;  berry  smooth. 

b.  radicans :  stem  climbing. 

HAB.  Woods  and  hedges.     Stem  climbing  very  high. 


151.  STAPHYLEA.     Bladder-nut. 

S.  trifolia  :  leaves  ternate. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.    May.    Shritb  6— 10 feet  high;  inpend.  racemes 

greenish-white ;  capsule  large. 

TETRAGYNIA. 
152.  PARNASSIA.     Grass  of  Parnassus. 

P.  caroliniana :  radical  leaves  orbicular-ovate,  cordate ;  nectaries  3- 
bristled. 

HAB.  Boggy  woods.  August— September,  "2J. ;  leaves  mostly  ra- 
dical, (m  long  petioles  ;  flower  solitary,  terminal,  yellowish  white 

PENTAGYNIA. 
153.  ARALIA. 


A.  nudicaulis :  nearly  stemless ;  leaf  solitary,  triquinate ;  scape  naked, 
shorter  than  the  leaf;  umbels  few. 

HAB.  Among  rocks.  June — July.  Root  thick,  creeping  ;  petiole 
long ;  leaflets  oval,  serrate ;  scape  \-flowered,  long,  3-umbelled ; 
flower  greenish 

A.  racemosa :  stem  herbaceous,  branched  ;  petioles  3-parted ;  parti- 
tions ternate  and  quinate;  umbels  compound  in  axillary  pani- 
cles. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.    July— Aug.  1J-;  root  thick,  aromatic;  stem 
3 — 4  feet  high  ;  umbel  num. 
30* 


344  HAXAGYNIA MONOGYNIA. 

A.  Jitspida:  suflfruticose ;  stem  and  petioles  hispid;  leaves  doubly 
pinnate ;  leaflets  ovate,  incisely  serrate ;  umbels  on  long  peduncles. 

BLAB.  Mountains.  July — August.  Stem  l^feet  high,  very  hispid 
below  ;  peduncles  axillary  and  terminal. 

154.  STATICE.     Thrift. 

S.  Armeria :  scape  simple,  terete,  capitate ;  leaves  linear,  flat. 

HAB.  Sea-shore,  Tj. ;   leaves  all  radical,  cespit. ;  scape  1  foot  hig  I 

— -flower  rose-colored,  in  a  terminal  head. 
S.  Limonium :    scape  paniculate,   terete ;   leaves    oblong,   undulate, 

smooth  and  nerveless,  mucronate  below  the  tip. 
HAB.  Salt  marshes.     August — October,  7J. ;  root  large  ;  scape  I  foot 

high  ;  panicles  large  ;  Jlower  secund,  blue. 

155.  LINUM.     Flax. 

L.  virginianum :  stem  paniculate  at  the  summit ;  radical  leaves  obovate 
or  spathulate ;  cauline  ones  lanceolate ;  flowers  remote,  alternate ; 
segments -of  the  calyx  acute. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  July— August,  <"> ;  stem  1J— 3  feet  high,  slen- 
der ;  leaves  scattering ;  Jlower  very  small,  pale  yellow. 

L.  usitatissimum :  segments  of  the  calyx  ovate,  acute,  3-nerved ;  pe- 
tals crenate ;  leaves  lanceolate,  alternate ;  stem  subsolitary. 

HAB.  Fields.  June — July,  <v) ;  stem  1—2  feet  high,  branched 
above  ;  Jlower  large,  blue. 

HEXAGYNIA. 
156.  DROSERA.     Sun-dew. 

D.  rotundifolia  ;  leaves  suborbicular,  dilated ;  petiole  elongated,  hairy 
above ;  racemes  mostly  simple,  erect. 

HAB.  Bogs.  July — Aug.  Ij.;  leaves  all  rad.,  spreading,  covered 
with  brown  viscidjilam. — scape  4 — 8  in.  long — -Jlower  secund,  small, 
white  ;  seeds  lin. 

D.  longifolia :  leaves  crenate,  obovate,  tapering  below  into  a  long 
footstalk,  erect-spreading,  scape  declined  at  the  base ;  stipules  many- 
cleft,  capillaceous ;  segments  of  the  calyx  ovate-oblong,  obtuse. 

HAB.  Bogs  and  sandy  swamps.  July — Aug.  1|_;  caudex  sometirves 
elong. — scape  bent  and  ascend. — seeds  ovate. 


HEXANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA.  ^A, 

A.  Flowers  complete,  having  a  calyx  and  corolla. 

'57.   LEONTICE.      Calyx   6-leaved,   caducous;    pet.  6,  unguiculaU. 
opposite  the  calyx  ;   nect.  5,  inserted  upon  the  claws  of  tne  petala! 


HEXANDRIA— -MONOGYNIA.  345 

Anther  adnate  to  the  filaments ;  2-celled ;  cells  opening  longitudi- 
nally. 

Ber.  rupturing  at  an  early  period,  leaving  the  large,  naked,  drupe-form 
seed  elevated  on  its  funic. 

158.  BERBERIS.     Calyx  6-leaved;  pet.  6,  with  2  glands  on  each  claw; 
style  0 ;  stig.  umbilicate ;  berry  1 -celled,  2 — 4-seeded. 

159.  F RINGS.     Calyx  minute,  6-cleft ;  cor.  monopetalous,  subrotate,  6- 
parted ;  berry  6-seeded. 

B.  Flowers  spathaceous. 

160.  ALLIUM.     Cor.  6-petaled,  spreading  ;  spath.  many-flowered ;  umb. 
crowded ;  caps,  superior,  3-celled,  3-valved,  many-seeded. 

161.  HYPOXIS.     Spath.  3-valved ;  cor.   superior,  6-parted,   persistent; 
caps,  elongated,  narrowed  at  the  base,  3-celled,  many-seeded ;  seeds 
roundish,  naked. 

162.  PONTEDERI A.     Corolla  inferior,  6-cleft,  bilabiate ;  under  side 
of  the  tube  perforated  with  3   longitudinal  foramina ;  the  lower  part 
persistent,   calycine ;  stamens  unequally  inserted ;  3  of  them  upon 
the  summit  of  the  tube.      Utric.  muricate,  1-seeded. 

C.    Flowers  naked. 
(Without  a  spathe ;  perianth  single,  petaloid.) 

163.  ALETRIS.     Corolla  tubulous-ovate,  6-cleft  at  the  summit,  rugose, 
persistent ;  stamens  inserted  upon  the  orifice ;  style   triquetrous,  tri- 
partile ;  capsule  semi-superior,   many-seeded,   opening   at  the  sum- 
mit. 

164.  HEMEROCALLIS.      Corolla    campanulate  ;    tube    cylindric; 
stamens  declined  ;  stigmas  rather  small,  simple,  somewhat  villous. 

165.  ORNITHOGALUM.     Cor.  6-petaled,  persistent,  spreading  above 
the  middle ;  calyx  0 ;  fil.  dilated  at  the  base ;  caps,  superior,  round- 
ish, 3-celled ;  seeds  roundish. 

166.  LILIUM.     Cor.   6-petaled,  campanulate;    pet.    mostly   reflexed, 
marked  with  a  longitudinal  nectariferous  line ;  stamens  shorter  than 
the  style ;  stigma  entire ;  caps,  superior,  subtriangular ;  valves  con- 
nected by  cancellate  hairs. 

167.  ERYTHRONIUM.     Cor.  6-petaled,  subcampanulate ;    petals  re- 
flexed  ;  the  interior  ones  with  a  callous  tooth  on  each  side  near  the 
base,  and  a  nectariferous   pore;  caps,  superior,  substipitate ;  seeds 
ovate. 

168.  UVULARIA.      Corolla  inferior,   6-petaled,  erect;  petals  with  a 
nectariferous  cavity   at  the   base  of  each ;  fil.  very  short ;  anth.  ad- 
nate ;  stigma   reflexed ;  caps,  triangular,  3-celled,  3-valved ;  valves 
sepiferous  in  the  middle;    seeds  numerous,   subglobose,  axillate  at 
the  hilum. 

169.  STREPTOPUS.      Corolla  inferior,   6-petaled,  subcampanulate; 
stigmas  very   short;  berry  subglobose,  smooth,  3-celled;  seeds  few, 
hilum  naked. 

170.  CONV  ALL  ARIA.     Cor.  inferior,  6-cleft ;  berry  globose,  spotted, 
3-celled. 

D.  Flowers  incomplete.     (Perianth  single,  resembling  a 
calyx.) 

171.  ORONTIUM.     Spad.  cylindric,   crowded  with  flowers;  cor.  fr 
petaled,  naked ;  style  and  stigma  scarcely  any ;  utric.  1-seeded. 


346  HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

172    ACORUS.     Spad.  cylindric, ,  covered  with  flowers ;  cor.  6-petaled, 
naked ;  stigma  sessile,  very  minute ;  caps.  3-celled. 

173.  JUNCUS.     Perian.  6-leaved,  glumaceous ;  caps,  superior,  3-celled, 
3-valved  ;  cells  many-seeded ;  seeds  attached   to  a  partition  in  the 
middle  of  each  valve. 

174.  LUZULA.      Perian.   Cleaved,  glumaceous;    caps,   superior,  3- 
celled,  3-vaived ;  cells  1-seeded,  valves  without  partitions. 

TRIGYNIA. 

175.  VERATRUM.     Polygamous.     Calyx  0;  cor.  6-parted,  expand- 
ing ;  segments  sessile,  without  glands ;  stamens  inserted  upon  the 
receptacle ;  caps.  3,  united,  many-seeded. 

176.  HELONIAS.     Cor.  6-parted,  spreading,  without  glands;  styles  3, 
distinct;  caps.  3-celled,  3-horned,  cells  few-seeded. 

177.  TRIGLOCHIN.     Perian.  6-Ieaved,  deciduous  ;  leaflets  concave ; 
3   of  the   leaflets  inferior  and  more  calycine;  stamens  3 — 6,  very 
short;  an th.  turned  outward;  stigma  nearly  sessile,  adnate;  caps. 
3 — 6,  united  above  by  a  common  receptacle  and  axis,  generally  sepa- 
rating at  the  base,  1-seeded,  not  opening. 

178.  GYROMIA.     Calyx  0;  cor.  5-parted,  revolute;  Jil.  and  anth.  dis- 
tinct ;  styles  0 ;  stig.  3,  filiform,  and  divaricate,  united  at  the  base ; 
berry  3-celled  ;  cells  5 — 6-seeded  ;  seeds  compressed,  3-sided. 

179.  TRILLIUM.     Calyx   3-leaved;    cor.  3-petaled;    stigma   sessile; 
berry  superior,  3-celled  ;  cells  many-seeded. 

180.  RUMEX.     Perian.  6-leaved ;  nut  triquetrous,   covered  by  the  3 
interior  valviform  leaves  of  the  perianth ;  stigma  many-cleft . 


TETRAGYNIA. 

181.  SAURURUS.     Flowers  on   an  ament  or  crowded  spike;  scales 
1-flowered;  cor.  0;  anthers  adnate  to  the  filaments;  caps,  each  1,  or 
rarely  2-seeded. 

POLYGYNIA. 

182.  ALISMA.     Calyx  3-leaved ;  pet.   3 ;   caps,   numerous,  1-seeded, 
not  opening. 


MONOGYNIA. 


Specie..  157'    LEONTICE. 

L.    thalictroides :    leaves  bi-triternate ;    leaflets  2 — 3-lobed ;    flowers 
paniculate,  from  the  centre  of  the  leaves. 


HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  347 

HAB.  Rocky  woods  and  mountains.  Apr. — May,  7J. ;  a  foot  high 
smooth,  mostly  2-leaved  ;  flower  sm.,  greenish-yellow  ;  seed  large, 
dark  blue. 

158.  BERBERIS.     Barberry. 

B.  canadensis :  branches  punctate,  armed  with  trifid  spines;  leaves 
oblong-ovate,  distinctly  ciliate-serrate ;  racemes  simple,  subcorym- 
bose,  recurved. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  May— June.  Shrub  3—4  feet  high;  leaves 
altern.  ;  Jilam.  irritable  ;  Jl.  yellow  ;  berry  red,  acid. 

159.  PRINOS.     Winterberry. 

?.  verticillatus :  leaves  deciduous,  oval,  serrate,  acuminate,  pubescent 
beneath;  flowers  6-parted,  dioecious;  staminiferous  axillary,  sub- 
umbellate  ;  pistiliferous  aggregated. 

EAB.  Moist  woods  and  swamps.  June.  Shrub  6 — 8  feet  high; 
leaves  alt.  ;  Jl.  white  ;  berry  scarlet. 

160.  ALLIUM.     Onion,  $c. 

A.  canadense:  scape  naked,  terete ;  leaves  linear ;  head  bulbiferous. 
HAB.  Meadows.     May,    9|;    root   bulb.;  leaves   long,  Jlat   above; 

Jl.  numerous,  pale  rose-col. 
A.  triflorium:  scape  naked,  terete,  shorter  than  the  leaves;   leaves 

lanceolate,  nerved,  umbel  few-flowered. 
HAB.  Mountains.     May — June. 

161.  HYPOXIS.     Star-grass. 

H.  erecta:   hairy;   scape  2 — 4-flowered;    leaves  linear;   segments  of 

the  corolla  lanceolate-oblong. 
HAB.  Woods  and  meadows.      May— June,  7J.;   root  bulb,  solid; 

leaves  gramin.  ;  Jl.  yel. 

162.  PONTEDERIA. 

P.  cor  data :  leaves  oblong-cordate ;   flowers  in  crowded  spikes. 
HAB.  In  fresh  water.     Aug.  7J. ;    leaves  subrad.,  3—4  in.   long, 
thick ;  spath.  oblong  ;  Jl.  aggreg.  blue. 

163.  ALETRIS.     Star-wort. 

A.  fannosa :  flowers  pedicellate,  oblong-tubular;  corolla,  when  de- 
caying, nearly  smooth ;  leaves  broad-lanceolate. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.  July,  Tj.;  roots  prcemorse  ;  leaves  rad., 
spreading  ;  scape  2  feet  high  ;  Jlower  white. 

164.  HEMEROCALLIS.     Day  Lily. 

H.  fulva :  leaves  broad-linear,  carinate ;  interior  petals  obtuse,  undu- 
late ;  exterior  nerves  of  the  petals  ramose. 


348  HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June — Aug.  *2l ;  leaves  very  long ;  scape 
3  feet  high  ;  Jl.  large,  fulvous. — §. 

165.  ORNITHOGALUM.     Star  of  Bethlehem. 

O.   umbellatum.  corymb,   few-flowered;   peduncles  longer  than  the 

bracts ;   filaments  subulate. 
HAB.  Moist  meadows.     May — June,  1J.;   root   bulb.;  leaves  rad.t 

lin.  ;  Jl.  white. — §. 

166.   LILIUM.     Lily. 

L.  philadelphicum  :  leaves  verticillate,  linear-lanceolate ;  stem  1 — 2- 
flowered ;  corolla  erect,  campanulate,  spreading ;  petals  unguicu- 
late. 

HAB.  Copses.  June — July,  1}.;  stem  3  feet  high;  leaves  3-nerv. ; 
Jl.  dark  orange. 

L.  canadense:  leaves  remotely  verticillate,  lanceolate;  nerves  hairy 
beneath;  peduncles  terminal,  elongated,  generally  by  threes;  flow- 
ers nodding ;  corolla  turbinate,  campanulate,  slightly  revolute ;  pe- 
tals lanceolate. 

HAB.  Moist  meadows.  June— July,  Q ;  stems  2 — 4  feet  high ;  Jl. 
about  3-spotted. 

167.  ERYTHRONIUM.     Dog's-tooth  Violet. 

E.  americanum :  leaves  lanceolate,  punctate ;  petals  oblong-lanceo- 
late, obtuse  at  the  point ;  interior  ones  bidentate  near  the  base ; 
style  clavate ;  stigma  entire. 

HAB.  Shady  moist  places.  Apr.— May,  0].;  leaves  2,  rad. ;  Jl.  soli- 
tary, nodding,  yellow. 

168.  UVULARIA.     Bell-wort. 

•     U.  perfoliata:  leases  perfoliate,  elliptic-obtuse;  corolla  campanulate, 

granular,  scabrous  within ;   anthers  cuspidate. 
HAB.   Moist   shady  places.     May— June,    7J. ;  8—10  in.   high ;  Jl. 

pend.  pale  yellow. 
U.  scssilifolia :  stem  smooth ;  leaves  sessile,  oval-lanceolate,  glaucous 

beneath ;  petals  flat,  smooth  within ;  capsule  stipitate. 
HAB.  Shady  thickets.     May— June,  %;  stem  6 — 12  inches  high, 

forked  above  ;  Jlower  pale  yellow. 

169.  STREPTOPUS. 

S.  roseus :  smooth  and  shining ;  leaves  amplexicaul,  serrulate  ciliate, 

anthers  short,  2-horned. 
HAB.  Mountains.     May— June,  1]- ;   stem  18  in.  high,  dichot. ;  Jl. 

rose-color. 


HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  349 

170.  CONVALLARIA.     Solomon's  seal,  <fcc. 

*  Corolla  deeply  4-parted,  spreading  ;  stamens  4  ;    berry  ^celled. 

(Flowers  in  a  terminal  raceme.) 

MAJANTHEMUM. 

C.  bifolia :  stem  2-leaved ;  leaves  on  short  petioles,  cordate  oblong, 
very  smooth  on  both  sides ;  raceme  simple,  terminal ;  flowers  te- 
trandrous. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.  May — June,  1\.;  stem  4 — 6  in.  high;  flower 
small,  white  ;  berry  spotted  with  red. 

*  *  Corolla  6-parted,  spreading  ;  filaments  divergent,   attached  to  the 
base  of  the  segments.     (Flowers  in  a  terminal  raceme.) 

SMILACINA. 

C.  stellata  :  leaves  numerous,  alternate,  oval-lanceolate,  amplexicaul  • 
raceme  simple,  terminal. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May — June,  1\. ;  afoot  high,  terete  ;  Jl.  small, 
white. 

C.  racemosa :  leaves  numerous,  alternate,  sessile,  oblong-oval,  acumi- 
nate, nerved,  pubescent :  flowers  in  a  terminal,  racemose  panicle. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.     June,  1J.;  stem  18  in.  ;  2  feet  high ;  subftex. 
Jl.  small,  white  ;  berry  red. 

*  *  *  Corolla   subcampanulate,    deeply  6-parted  ;  style  elongated; 

berry  2-celled,  many-seeded. 

C.  umbellulata :    subcaulescent ;    leaves    oblong-oval,  ciliate  on   the 

margin,  scape  pubescent ;   umbel,  terminal ;   pedicels  nodding,  with 

minute  bracts  at  the  base. 
HAB.  Mountain   bogs.     May — June,    7|_ ;  leaves  very  large,  about 

3,  subrad.  ;  scape  6 — 8  in.  long  ;  umb.   3 — 4  Jl.  ;  Jl.  greenish  yd 

low  ;    berry  blue. 

*  *  *  *  Corolla  6-cleft,  cylindric  ;  Jilaments  inserted  on  the  upper 

part  of  the  tube  ;  berry  3-celled  ;  cells  %-seeded. 
(Flowers  axillary.) 

POLYGONATUM. 

C.  multijlora:  stem  terete;  leaves  alternate,  amplexicaul,  oblong-oval ; 
peduncles  axillary,  many-flowered. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  June— July,  7J. ;  stem  2—3  feet  high,  smooth  ; 
Jl.  gr.  white. 

C.  pubescens :  stem  nearly  terete,  furrowed ;  leaves  alternate,  am- 
plexicaul, ovate,  pubescent  beneath  ;  peduncles  axillary,  generally 
2-flowered. 

HAB.  Rock.  June,  Tj. ;  stem  18  in.  high,  smooth ;  Jl.  yel.,  white 
and  green. 


350  HEXANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

171.  ORONTIUM.     Golden  club. 

O.  aquaticum  :  leaves  lanceolate-ovate ;  scape  cylindrical,  spiked. 
HAB.  In  water.     May,  %  ;  leaves  rad.  large    spadix  yellow. 

172.   ACORUS.     Sweet-flag. 

A.  calamus:  spadix  protruding  from  the  side  of  an  ensiform  leaf.  i 

HAB.  Swamps.  June,  Tj. ;  root  creeping,  arom. ;  leaves  rush-like  ; 
spad.  greenish. 

173.  JUNCUS.     Rush. 

*  Scapes  naked  ;  Jlowers  lateral. 

J.  effusus:  scape  minutely  striate,  (soft;)  panicle  loose,  very  much 
branched,  spreading ;  leaflets  of  the  perianth  lanceolate,  acuminate, 
rather  longer  than  the  obovate  obtuse  capsule. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  June,  1J. ;  scape  2 — 3  feet  high ;  stam.  3  ; 
seeds  attenuate. 

J.  acutus:  scape  naked,  terete,  panicle  lateral;  involucrum  2-leaved, 
spinous ;  capsule  nearly  round,  mucronate,  as  long  again  as  the  pe- 
rianth. 

HAB.  Sandy  sea-coast.  1\..  Stem  in  subdistich.  fascic.,  2 — 4  feet 
high;  seeds  ang. 

*  *  Leaves  all  radical ;  (Jlowers  terminal.) 

J.  tennis  :  stem  erect,  filiform,  a  little  dichotomous  at  the  summit,  near- 
ly terete ;  leaves  setaceous,  canaliculate ;  flowers  solitary,  approx- 
imate, subsessile ;  perianth  longer  than  the  obtuse  capsule. 

HAB.  Wet  or  dry  places.  June — July,  1^.;  a  foot  high;  pan.  sub- 
corymb. 

J.  nodosus :  stem  somewhat  leafy ;  leaves  nodose-articulate ;  heads 
mostly  2,  globose,  one  of  them  lateral  and  pedunculate,  the  other 
sessile;  leaflets  of  the  perianth  mucronate,  shorter  than  the  acumi- 
nate capsule. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  July,  % ;  stem  1—10  inches  high  ;  heads  8—12- 
Jl.,  1  seds. 

*  *  *  Stems  leafy. 
t  Leaves  nearly  plane,  grooved  above. 

J.  bulbosus :  stem  simple,  leafy,  compressed ;  leaves  linear-setaceous, 
canaliculate ;  panicle  terminal,  compound,  subcymose,  shorter  than  the 
involucrum  ;  leaflets  of  the  perianth  incurved,  obtuse  or  acute,  gen- 
erally shorter  than  the  ovate,  subglobose  capsule. 

HAB.  Salt  marshes.  Aug. — Sept.TJ.;  a  foot  high,  wiry  ;  caps,  dark 
brown. 

J.  bufonius :  stem  dichotomous  above,  paniculate ;  leaves  filiform,  se- 
taceous, canaliculate;  flowers  subsoh'tary,  stssiie,  unilateral,  leaves 


HEXANDRIA TRIGYNIA.  351 

of  the  perianth  very  acuminate,  much  longer  than  the  elliptical  ovate 
capsule 

HAB.  Wet  places.     June — Aug.   (v)  ;  stem  3 — 6  in.  hign ;  sheaths 
membran. 


1 1  Leaven  rounded  or  subcompressed. 

V  acuminatus :  stem  leafy,  erect ;  leaves  terete,  nodose-articulate  ; 
panicle  terminal,  compound  ;  heads  3 — 6-flowered,  pedunculate,  and 
sessile ;  leaflets  of  the  perianth  linear-lanceolate,  subaristate,  snorter 
than  the  acute  capsule. 

HAB.  Bogs.  August,  1]. ;  stem  18  inches  high,  tenac. ;  caps, 
triquet. 

J.  polycephalus :  stem  leafy,  erect;  leaves  compressed,  nodose-articu- 
late ;  panicle  decompound ;  head  globose,  many-flowered ;  flowers 
triandrous ;  leaflets  of  the  perianth  subaristate,  rather  shorter  than 
the  triquetrous  acute  capsule. 

HAB.  Bogs.  August— Sept.  TJ.;  stem  18  inches— %  feet  high,  sub- 
compress,  below ;  heaas  12 — 15^. ;  stam.  3,  (rarely  6.) 

174.  LUZULA. 

L.  puosa  :  leaves  hairy ;  panicle  subcymose ;  peduncles  1-flowered, 
icflexed;  leaflets  of  the  perianth  acuminate,  rather  shorter  than  the 
obtuse  capsule. 

HAB.  Mountains.  April — May,  If- ;  stem  6  in.  high,  slender;  pe- 
dicel capill. 

L.  campestris  :  leaves  hairy  ;  spikes  sessile  and  pedunculate  ;  leaflets 
of  the  perianth  acuminate,  longer  than  the  obtuse  capsule. 

HAB.  Low  grounds  and  woods.  Apr. — May,  A  foot  high;  spik. 
roundish. 

TRIGYNIA. 
175.  VERATRUM.     Green  and  White  Hellebore. 


V.  tiride  :  racemes  paniculate ;  bracts  of  the  branches  oblong  lance- 
olate ;  partial  ones  longer  than  the  subpubescent  peduncles  ;  leaves 
broad-ovate,  plicate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June — July.  Root  large;  stem  3 — 4  feet  high; 
Jlowers  green. 


176.  HELONIAS. 


EL  dioica :  scaj)e  leafy ;  racemes  dioicous,  spiked,  cernuous ;  pedicels 
very  short,  without  bracts ;  petals  linear ;  stamens  exserted ;  leaves 
lanceolate. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.     June.     Root  prcemorse,  stem  1-  -2  feet  high 
Jlowers  white. 

3 1 


352  HEXANDR1A TRIGYNI* 

177.  TR1GLOCHIN.     Arrow-grass. 

T.  maritimum  :  fruit  ovate-oblong,  of  6  united  capsules. 
HAB.  Salt  marshes  and  about  salt  springs.     July — Aug.  1}.;  leaves 
rad.,  narrow,  rujh-like  ;  spike  very  long. 

178.  GYROMIA.     Indian  Cucumber. 

G.  virginica. 

HAB.  Moist  woods.     May — June,  QJ. ;  root  tubular,  stem  simple 
leaves  verticillate  ;  Jlower  yellow. 

179.  TRILLIUM.     Wake-Robin. 

T.  erythrocarpum  :  peduncles  somewhat  erect ;  petals  oval  lanceolate, 
acute,  recurved,  nearly  as  long  again  as  the  narrow  calyx  ;  leaves 
ovate,  acuminate,  rounded  at  the  base ;  abruptly  contracted  into  a 
short  petiole. 

HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.  May,  7J. ;  stem  8  inches  high  ;  Jlower 
white,  with  purple  veins. 

T.  cernuum :  peduncle  recurved  ;  petals  lanceolate,  acuminate,  flat, 
recurved,  of  the  length  and  breadth  of  the  calyx  ;  leaves  dilated 
rhomboid,  abruptly  acuminate,  on  short  petioles. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.  May,  'ZJ.;  stem  12—18  inches  high ;  Jlower 
white  ;  berry  large,  purple. 

T.  erectum :  peduncle  inclined ;  flower  nodding ;  petals  ovate,  acu- 
minate, flat,  spreading,  broader  and  a  little  longer  than  the  calyx ; 
leaves  broad-rhomboid,  acuminate,  sessile. 

HAB.  Rich  soil,  among  rocks.  May,  7|_;  afoot  high;  Jlower  large, 
dark  purple. 

180.  RUMEX.     Dock. 

*  Flowers  all  perfect ;  valves  graniferous.     LAPATHUM. 
t  Valves  entire. 

R.   aquaticus  :  valves   ovate,  entire,  all  of  them  graniferous ;    leaves 

lanceolate,  all  of  them  cordate  at  the  base. 
HAB.  Wet  places.     June.     Root  large,  astringent ;   stem  3 — 4  feet 

high;  grains  linear. 
R.  crispus  :  valves  very  large,  cordate,  entire,  reticulate,  graniferous  ; 

leaves  lanceolate,  undulate,  acute. 
HAB.  Meadows.     June.     Root  yellow ;  stem  2 — 3  feet  high  ;  grains 

unequal. — §. 
R.  sanguineus :  valves  oblong,  small,  one  of  them  graniferous  ;  leaves 

lanceolate,  subcordate. 

HAB.  Fields.     June.     Stem  2 — 3  feet  high  ;  leaves  mostly  variega- 
ted with  red. — §. 
R.  Britannica  :  valves  all  entire  and  graniferous ;  whorls  of  flowers 

leafless ;  leaves  broad-lanceolate,  flat,  smooth  ;  sheaths  obsolete. 
HAB.  Wet  places.     June.     Root  large,  dark  ext.,  yellow  int.  ;  stem 

2—  3  feet  high.—%. 


HEPTANDRIA MONOQYNIA.  353 

R.  verticillatus :  valves  entire,  all  of  them  graniferous ,  racemes  leaf- 
less ;  leaves  lanceolate ;  sheaths  cylindrical. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  June.  Root  large ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  Jlower 
iemivertieil. 

1 1  Valves  toothed. 

R.  acutus :  valves  oblong,  somewhat  toothed,  all  of  them  graniferous ; 
leaves  cordate  oblong,  acuminate,  whorls  leafy. 

HAB.  Waste  places.  May.  Stem  2—3  feet  high ;  lower  leaves 
large. — §. 

R.  obtusifolius :  valves  dentate,  one  of  them  conspicuously  granifer- 
ous ;  radical  leaves  ovate-cordate,  obtuse ;  stem  somewhat  scabrous. 

HAB.  Woods  and  fields.  June — July.  Root  brown  ext.,  yellow  int. ; 
radical  leaves  very  large. — §. 

**  Flowers  dioecious  ;  valves  grainless.     ACETOSA. 

R.  acetocella :  leaves  lanceolate-hastate,  with  the  lobes  spreading  or 

recurved. 

HAB.    Fields.     May— July.     Stem  4—12  inches;   plant  acid.— §, 
Pist.    flower  rare. 

TETRAGYNIA. 

181.  SAURURUS.     Lizard's-tail. 

S.  cernuus. 

HAB.   In  water.    July— August,  <2|. ;   stem  18  inches— 2  feet  high ; 

leaves   alternate,  petiolate  cordate,  spike  3 — 6  inches  long,  white, 

calyx  tubular. 

POLYGYNIA. 

182.  ALISMA      Water-Plantain. 

A.  Plantago  :  leaves  ovate-cordate,  acute  or  obtuse,  9-nerved ;  flow- 
ers in  a  compound  verticillate  panicle ;  fruit  obtusely  triangular. 

HAB.  In  water.  July — August,  1}.;  leaves  radical,  9-nerved; 
petiol.  ;  panicles  large  ;  Jlower  white. 


, 

HEPTANDRIA. 


Ociiera. 


MONOYGYNIA 


183.  TRIENTALIS.     Calyx  7-leaved;     corolla  7-parted,  equal,  flat; 
berry  dry,  1 -celled,  many-seeded. 


354  OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

specie..  MONOGYN1A.       (    ^^/ 

183.  TRIENTALIS.     Chick-weed  winter-gieen. 

T    americana :  leaves  narrow-lanceolate,  acuminate,  serrulate ;  petals 

acuminate. 
HAB.    WOOD'S  and  swamps.     TJ..    May— June.    Leaves  whorled 

^flower  solitary,  -white. 


OCTANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 

Qenera.  *  f^owers  superior. 

184.  RHEXIA.     Calyx  urceolate,  4 — 5-cleft;  petiole  4,  inserted  upon 
the  calyx ;  anther  incumbent,  attached  to  the  filaments  behind,  na- 
ked at  the  base ;  capsule  setigerous,  4-celled,  free  in  the  ventricose 
calyx ;  receptacle  lunulate,  pedicellate  ;  seeds  numerous. 

185.  GENOTHERA.     Calyx  tubular,  4-cleft;  segments  deflexed,  decid- 
uous ;  petiole  4 ;  stigma  4-cleft ;    capsule  4-celled,   4-valved ;  seed* 
naked,  affixed  to  a  central,  4-sided  receptacle. 

186.  GAURA.     Calyx  4-cleft,  tubular;   corolla  4-petaled,  ascending; 
nut  quadrangular,  1-seeded. 

187.  EPILOBIUM.     Calyx  4-cleft,  tubular;  corolla  4-petaled ;  capsule 
oblong,  inferior;  seeds  comose. 

188.  OXYCOCCUS.     Calyx  superior,   4-toothed;    corolla  4-parted; 
segments  sublinear,  revolute ;  Jilament  connivent ;  anther  tubular, 
2-parted ;  berry  many-seeded. 

*  *  Flowers  inferior. 

189.  ACER.     Flowers  mostly  polygamous;  calyx  5-cleft •,  pet.  5  orO; 
samara  2,  winged,  united  at  the  base  by  abortion,  1-seeded. 

190.  DIRCA.     Calyx  0;  corolla  tubular;  border  obsolete;  stam.  un- 
equal, exserted ;  berry  1-seeded. 


TRIGYNIA. 

191.  POLYGONUM.     Perianth  5-parted,  petaloid,   inferior;  nut  1- 
seeded,  mostly  angular. 

MONOGYNIA. 
specie..  184.  RHEXIA.  _™P 

R.  virginica  •  stem  "with  winged  angles,  somewhat  hairy ;  leases  sea 


OCTANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  355 

sile,   ovate-lanceolate,  serrate-ciliate,  sprinkled  with  appressed  hairs 
on  both  sides. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  July — August,  Tj. ;  stem  quad.,  1  foot  high. , 
flower  large,  purple. 

185.  CENOTHERA.    Night  willow-herb. 

CE.  biennis:  stem  villous  and  scabrous ;  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  flat, 
dentate  ;  flowers  somewhat  spiked,  sessile ;  stamens  shorter  than  t'ae 
corolla. 

HAB.  Fields.  June— October,  ©  $  ;  stem  3 — 5  feet  high;  leav. 
alternate  ;  flowers  racem.,  yellow. 

CE .  fruticosa :  somewhat  villous ;  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  subdentate, 
acute;  petals  broad-obcordate ;  capsules  oblong-clavate,  pedicellate, 
quadrangular ;  raceme  naked  below. 

HAB.  Hills  and  woods.  June,  © ;  stem  12 — 18  inches  high,  pur- 
ple ;  leaves  punctate. 

CE.  pumila:  smooth;  stem  ascending;  leaves  lanceolate,  very  entire, 
obtuse ;  capsule  subsessile,  elliptical-obovate,  angular. 

HAB.  Dry  fields.  June,  Ij.;  a  span  high;  flower  small;  pet. 
obcordate. 

186.  GAURA. 

G.  biennis:  leaves  lanceolate,  dentate;  spikes  crowded;  fruit  round- 
ish, subquadrangular,  pubescent. 

HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.  Aug.  J*;  stem  1£ — 2  feet  high,  hairy; 
flowers  numerous,  rose-colored. 

187.  EPILOBIUM.     Willow-herb. 

E.  spicatum :  leaves  scattered,  veined,  smooth ;  flowers  subspicate ; 
stamens  declinate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  August,  7J. ;  stem  3 — 5  feet  high,  terete ;  calyx 
col.  ;  flower  large,  purple. 

E.  coloratum  :  stem  terete,  pubescent ;  leaves  lanceolate,  serrulate,  peti- 
olate,  opposite,  smooth,  with  colored  veins ;  the  upper  ones  alter- 
nate. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  July— August,  7].;  stem  3— 4  feet  high;  up- 
per branches  subquadrangular  ;  flower  axillary,  purple  ;  caps.  2 — 3 
inches  long. 

E.  rosmarinifollum :  stem  terete,  pubescent,  branching  above ;  leaves 
linear,  very  entire ;  those  on  the  stem  opposite ;  on  the  branches  al- 
ternate ;  flowers  pedunculate ;  petals  bifid  ;  stigma  entire. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  %;  root  bulb,  and  scaly  ;  flower  very  small, 
pale  purple. 

188.  OXYCOCCUS.     Cranberry. 

O.  macrocarpus  :  creeping ;  branches  ascending ;  leaves  oblong,  near- 
ly flat,  obtuse,  with  distant  obsolete  serratures,  glaucous  beneath ; 
pedicels  elongated ;  segments  of  the  corolla  linear-lanceolate. 

HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.  June,  Tj.;  stem  long,  fllif. ;  flower  red  { 
berry  scarl. 

o  1 


J56  OCTANDR1A TRIGYNIA. 

O.  vulgaris :  leaves  ovate,  entire,   revolute ;  segments  of  the  corolla 

oval ;  stem  filiform,  creeping,  naked. 
HAB.  Mountain  bogs.     1|_. 

189.  ACER.     Maple. 

A.  rubrum  :  leaves  palmately  about  5-lobed,  cordate  at  the  base,  une- 
qually and  incisely  toothed,  glaucous  beneath;  the  sinuses  acute; 
flowers  aggregated  in  about  fives,  on  rather  long  pedicels ;  germens 
glabrous. 

ttAB.  Woods.  April.  A  large  tree;  precocious;  Jlower  reds 
stamens  5 — 6. 

A.  saccharinum :  leaves  palmately  5-lobed,  subcordate  at  the  base, 
acuminate,  glaucous  beneath ;  peduncles  corymbose,  nodding. 

HAB.  Woods.  April.  A  large  tree;  Jlower  yellowish,  onjilif.  ped.  ; 
wings  narrmo. 

A.  pennsylvanicum :  leaves  with  3  acuminate  lobes,  rounded  at  the 
base,  acutely  dentate,  smooth ;  raceme  simple,  pendulous. 

HAB.  Mountains.  May.  Shrub  10  feet  high;  bark  striped; 
Jlower  gr.  yellow,  large. 

A.  montanum:  leaves  somewhat  5-lobed,  acute,  dentate,  pubescent  be- 
neath ;  racemes  compound,  erect. 

HAB.  Mountains.  May.  Shrub  6—10  feet  high ;  leaves  small ; 
Jlower  greenish. 

190.  DIRCA.     Leather-wood. 

D.  palustris. 

HAB.  Woods.  April.  Shrub  2  feet  high,  with  tough  branches  ; 
Jlower  and  bark  yellow. 


TRIGYNIA. 

191.  POLYGONUM.     Persicaria,  &c. 

*  Flowers  axillary.    . 

P.  aviculare :  stamens  8,  styles  3,  leaves  lanceolate,  scabrous  on  the 
margin ;  nerves  of  the  stipules  distant ;  stem  procumbent,  herbace- 
ous. 

HAB.  Fields,  &c.  May — October,  ©  ;  much  branched ;  Jlower 
very  small,  white  or  reddish  ;  seed  striate. 

P.  glaucum :  flowers  octandrous ;  styles  3 ;  leaves  lanceolate,  thick 
and  glaucous,  revolute  on  the  margin  ;  stipules  lacerate ;  pedicels 
exscrted  ;  stem  diffuse,  procumbent ;  seed  acutely  angular,  smooth 
and  shining. 

HAB.  Sandy  sea-shore.  August,  (v)  1  stem  long,  sub  ig. ;  Jlower 
larger  than  No.  1,  rose-colored. 

P.  tenue :  stem  slender,  erect,  branched,  acutely  angular ;  flowers  al« 


OCTANDRIA TRIGYNIA.  357 

tern  ate,  subsolitary ;  leaves  linear,  acuminate,  straight;  stipules  tubu- 
lar, lacerate,  with  the  segments  finely  attenuate  at  the  extrunity. 
HAB.  Rocks  and  sandy  fields.     July — September,  <S> ;   stem  6 — 10 
inches  high  ;  ang.  scab. 

*  *  Flowers  spiked. 

t  Spikes  axillary  or  terminal ;   stamens  5 — 8  ;  stigmas  mostly  2  ; 
nut  ovate.     PERSICARIA. 


P.  punctatum :   flowers  octandrous,  glandular-punctate  ;  styles  3-part- 

ed  ;  stipules  slightly  hairy,  ciliate  ;  spike  filiform,  at  first  cernuous  ; 

leaves  lanceolate,  with  pellucid  punctures,  scabrous  on  the  margin 

and  midrib. 
HAB.  Wet  places.     Aug. — October,  1|.;   stem  l£  feet  high;  flower 

white — plant  acrid. 
P.   mite :   flowers   octandrous,   somewhat  crowded ;   styles   3-parted ; 

leaves  narrow-lanceolate,  somewhat  hairy  ;  stipules  hairy,  with  long 

ciliae. 
HAB.  Wet  places.     August— September,  1}.;  stem  18  inches  high: 

flower  pale  red  or  white  ;  plant  not  acrid. 
P.  virginianum :    flowers  four-cleft,  unequal,  remote,  pentandrous ; 

styles  2  ;  spike  very  long,  virgate ;  leaves  oval-lanceolate. 
HAB.  Moist  shady  places.     August— September,  rl\.;  stem  2 — 4  feet 

high  ;  flower  white  ;  fr.  birost. 
P.  amphibium :   flowers  pentandrous ;    styles  bifid ;  spike  oblong  or 

ovate ;  leaves  petiolate,  oblong  or  lanceolate,  subcordate. 

a.  terrestre :  stem  nearly  erect ;  leaves  oblong- lanceolate,  often  cordate 
at  the  base,  smooth  above,  slightly  pubescent  beneath ;  spike  ovate- 
oblong. 

HAB.  Borders   of  ponds.     August,    7]. ;    stem  assurgent,  8  inches 
high  ;  spike  bright  rose  color. 

b.  aquaticum:  leaves  floating,  ovate-lanceolate;    spike  cylindrical-ob- 
long. 

HAB.  Floating  in  lakes.     August,  1|_;   stem3 — IQft.  long,  branch.; 

flower  rose-color. 
P.  pennsylvanicum :   flowers  octandrous ;    style  2-cleft  ;  spike  oblong, 

crowded ;  peduncles  hispid ;    leaves  lanceolate,  slightly  hairy ;  stip- 
ules smooth  and  naked. 
HAB.  Fields,  and  along  ditches.     July — October,  <v) ;  stem  2 — 4tfeet 

high  ;  leaves  pale  green  ;  flower  red. 
P.  lapathifolium  :  flowers  hexandrous ;  styles  2 ;  spikes  oblong,  rather 

crowded,  erect ;  peduncles  scabrous ;  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  on  short 

petioles,  hoary. 
HAB.  Wet  places.     August,  <v) ;  stem  2 — 4  feet  high,  leaves  pale 

green. 
P.  persicaria  :  flowers  hexandrous ;  styles  bifid  ;  spikes  ovate-oblong, 

erect ;    peduncles  smooth ;    leaves  lanceolate ;  stipules  smooth,  c3- 

iate. 
HAB.  Low  grounds.     July — August,    <v) ;   stem  1 — 2  feet  high  • 

spikes  dense,  rose-colored. 
P.  orientale:  flowers  heptandrous,  digynous,  leaves  ovate;  stem  erect; 

stipules  hairy,  hypocrateriform. 


358  ENNEANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

HAB.  Road  sides,  &c.  Aug.— Sept.  ©  ;  stem  3—5  feet  high,  pu* 
besc.  ;  spik.  subpend.,  rad. 

*  *  *  Mowers  in  paniculate  spikes  ;  perianth  5-leavcd. 

POLYGONELLA. 

P.   articulatum :   flowers    perfect,    octandrous,    trigynous,   nodding; 

spikes  paniculate,  filiform  ;  pedicels  solitary,  articulate  near  the  base  ; 

bracts  imbricate  ;    leaves  linear ;   nut  triquetrous. 
HAB.  Barren  sandy  woods.     Sept.  (v)  ;  afoot  high,  branched;  bracts 

trunc. ;  Jl.  rose-col. 

*  *  *  *  Flowers  in  racemose  panicles  ;  (leaves  subcordate  or  sagit- 
tate.)    FAGOPYRUM. 

P.  convolvulus :  flowers  octandrous ;  styles  3-cleft ;  leaves  oblong, 
hastate-cordate ;  stem  climbing,  angular,  somewhat  scabrous ;  seg- 
ments of  the  perianth  obtusely  carinate. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields,  &c.  July — Sept.  (v)  ;  leaves petiol. ;  raceme 
interrupt.  ;  Jl.  reddish. 

P.  cilinode:  flowers  octandrous  ;  styles  3-cleft ;  leaves  cordate ;  stipules 
rather  acute,  ciliate  at  the  base ;  stem  angular,  climbing  or  prostrate, 
pubescent ;  segments  of  the  perianth  obtusely  carinate. 

HAB.  Hills.  Aug.  <v)  ;  plant  minutely  pub es.  ;  leaves  subhast.  ;  Jl. 
pale  rose-col. 

P.  scandens :  flowers  octandrous,  trigynous ;  leaves  broadly  cordate ; 
stipules  truncate,  naked ;  stem  climbing,  smooth  ;  segments  of  the 
perianth  winged. 

HAB.  Hedges,  &c.  Aug.  (v) ;  stem  4 — 5-ang.,  purp. ;  Jl.  large, 
aggreg. ,  white  or  rose-col. 

P.  sagittatum;  flowers  octandrous,  capitate;  styles  3-cleft;  leaves 
sagittate,  stem  retrorsely  aculeate. 

HAB.  Wet  thickets.  July — Aug.  <v)  5  stem  slender,  prost.  ;  Jlowera 
in  sm.  heads,  white. 

P.  arifolium :  flowers  hexandrous,  distinct ;  styles  bifid  ;  spikes  few- 
flowered,  leaves  hastate ;  stem  retrorsely  aculeate. 

HAB.  Wet  thickets.  July — Sept.  ©  ;  stem  slender,  prostrate,  re- 
motely acul. ;  Jl.  rose-col. 


ENNEANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 


Cienera. 


192.  LAURUS.  Calyx  mostly  6-parted,  petaloid.  Ncct.  consisting  of 
3  bisetose  glands  surrounding  the  germen.  Stam.  12 ;  6  of  them 
interior,  3  of  which  are  sterile  and  glanduliferous. 


DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

MONOGYNIA. 
Species.     192.  LAURUS.    Sassafras,  &c. 


Flowers  polygamous  or  dioecious ;  cal.  6-parted ;  nect.  0 ;  stam.  9, 
fertile ;  6  exterior  naked ;  the  3  interior  augmented  by  6  infertile 
ones  attached  by  pairs ;  anth.  of  the  sterile  stam.  glanduloid  ;  berry 
1-seeded.  (Leaves  deciduous.) 

L.  benzoin  :  flowers  in  conglomerate  umbels,  dioecious ;  buds  and  ped- 
icels smooth ;  segments  cuneate-oboval,  entire,  whitish  and  subpu- 
bescent  beneath. 

HAB.  Shady  wet  places.  Apr.  An  arom.  shrub  4 — 10  fed  high  ; 
Ji.  yellow — berry  scar  I. 

L.  sassafras:  flowers  in  conglomerate  corymbs,  dioecious;  buds, 
younger  branches,  and  under  surface  of  the  leaves  pubescent ;  leaves 
entire,  or  2 — 3-lobed ;  under  surface  prominently  veined. 

HAB.  Woods.  Apr.  A  middle-sized  tree;  J0.  gr.  yellow;  ber. 
blue,  on  redped. 


Genera. 


DECANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 

*  Flowers  monopetalous. 


193.  ARBUTUS.     Calyx  minute,  5-parted  ;   cor.  ovate,  diapnanous  at 
the  base ;  border  small,  5-cleft,  revolute ;  Jilam.  hairy ;   berry  su- 
perior, 5-celled. 

194.  GAULTHERIA.     Calyx  5-cleft,  with  2  bracts  at  the  base ;  cor. 
ovate  ;  border  small,  5-cleft,  revolute ;  Jilam.  hairy ,  recept.  10-tooth- 
ed ;  caps,  superior,  5-celled,  covered  by  the  calyx,  which  becomes  a 
berry. 

195.  VACCINIUM.     Calyx  superior,  4 — 5-toothed  ;  cor.  urceolate  or 
campanulate,  4 — 5  cleft ;  Jilam.  inserted  upon  the  germen ;  berry  4 — 
5-celled,  many  seeded. 

196.  ANDROMEDA.     Calyx  5-parted ;  cor.  ovate,  or  subcylindrical ; 
border  5-cleft,  reflexed ;    anther  2-horned  ;  caps.  5-celled,  5-valved ; 
dissepiments  from  the  middle  of  the  valves. 

197.  KALMIA.     Calyx  5-parted  ;  cor.  hypocrateriform ;   border  on  the 
under  side,  producing  10  cornute  protuberances,  in  which  the  an- 
thers are  concealed ;   caps.  5-celled,  many-seeded;   dissepiments  mar- 
ginal. 

198.  RHODODENDRON.     Calyx  5-parted ;  cor.  subinfundibuliform, 

30* 


360  DECANDRIA DIGYNIA. 

5-cleft ;   stam.  5 — 10,  declinate ;   anth.  opening  by  2  terminal  pores  j 
caps.  5-celled,  5-valved,  opening  at  the  summit. 

199.  RHODORA.     Calyx  5-toothed;    cor.  3-petaled ;  petals  unequal, 
slightly  united  at  the  base ;  the  upper  one  thrice  broader,  and   3- 
lobed  ;  stain,  and  style  declinate ;   caps.  5-celled,  5-valved,  opening 
at  the   top;   dissepiments   formed  of  the  inflexed   margins   of  the 
valves. 

200.  EPIG^EA.     Calyx  5-parted,  with  3  bracts  at  the  base;   cor.  hypo- 
crateriform ;   border  5-parted,  spreading ;  tube  villous  within  ;  raps 
5-celled,  receptacle  5-parted. 

*  *  Flowers  polypetalous,  regular. 

201.  MONOTROPA.     Calyx  3— 5-parted,  or  0 ;  cor.  5-petaled,  cucul- 
late  at  the  base ;    anth.  1-celled,  bilabiate ;   caps.  5-celled,  5-valved ; 
seeds  numerous,  invested  with  a  long  arillus. 

202.  PYROLA.     Calyx  small,  5-cleft ;   pet.  slightly  united  at  the  base, 
deciduous;   stam.  opening  with  2  pores;  caps.  5-celled,  5-valved; 
seeds  invested  with  a  long  arillus. 

203.  LEDUM.     Calyx  minute,  5-toothed ;  cor.  5-petaled,   spreading ; 
stam.  exserted  ;   anth.  opening  by  2  terminal  pores  ;   caps,  subovate, 
5-celled,  5-valved,  opening  at  the  base ;   valves  with  the  margins  in- 
flexed  and  approximate ;  recept.  5-lobed  ;  colum.  5-angled,  pedicel- 
late ;  seeds  numerous,  flat,  linear,  scabrous,  with  a  membranaceous 
wing  at  each  extremity. 

204.  LEIOPHYLLUM.     Calyx  deeply  5-parted,  persistent;   cor.   5- 
petaled  ;  stam.  longer  than  the  corolla ;  anth.  lateral,  opening  on  the 
inside  longitudinally ;   caps,  roundish,  5-celled,  5-valved,  opening  at 
the  top;    valves   ovate,    with   the    margins    inflexed,  remote    and 
straight ;   colum.  subovate,  terete,  rugose  ;   seeds  small,  smooth,  not 
winged. 

205.  CLETHRA.     Calyx  5-parted,   persistent;   cor.   5-petaled;   style 
persistent ;  stigma  short,  3-cleft ;  caps.  3-celled,  3-valved,  covered 
by  the  calyx. 

*  *  *  Flowers  polypetalous,  irregular. 

206.  CASSIA.     Calyx  5-leaved ;  pet.  5,  subequal ;  stain,  unequal ;   3 
superior  anthers  sterile  ;  3  inferior  rostrate,  with  longer  and  incurved 
filaments  ;  legume  membranaceous,  2-valved. 

207.  BAPTISIA.     Calyx  half  4— 5  cleft,  bilabiate;    cor.  papilionace- 
ous ;   pet.   nearly  equal  in  length  ;   vexill.  with  the  sides  reflexed , 
stamens  deciduous  ;    legume  ventricose,  pedicellate,  many-seeded. 

DIGYNIA. 


208.  SAXIFRAGA.     Calyx  5-parted  ;  pet.  5 ;  caps,  superior  or  inferi- 
or, or  half  inferior,  2-beakod,  2-celled,  many-seeded,  opening  between 
the  beaks. 

209.  CHRYSOSPLENIUM.     Calyx    superior,    4— 5-cleft,    colored; 
cor.  0 ;  caps.  2-beaked,  many-seeded. 


DKCANDRIA DECAGYNIA.  361 

•210.  TIARELLA.     Calyx   5-parted,   persistent;   pet.   5,   inserted  into 
the  calyx,  unguiculate ;  caps.  1 -celled,  2- valved;  valves  unequal. 

211.  MITELLA.     Calyx  5-cleft,  persistent;  pet.  5,  pinnatifid.  inserted 
into  the  calyx ;  caps.  I  celled,  2-valved ;  valves  equal. 

212.  SAPONARIA.     Calyx  1-leaved,  tubular,  5-toothed,  naked  at  the 
base;  pet.  5,  unguiculate;  caps,  oblong,  1 -celled. 

213.  SCLERANTHUS.     Calyx  1-leaved,  5-cleft;  cor.  0;  stamen  in 
serted  into  the  calyx ;  caps.  1-seeded,  covered  by  the  calyx. 


TRIGYNIA. 


214.  CUCUBALUS.     Calyx    1-leaved,   inflated,   5-toothed;  petals  5, 
unguiculate,  naked  at  the  orifice ;  cap*.  3-celled. 

215.  SIJL.ENE.     Calyx  1-leaved,  tubular  or  conic,  5-toothed  ;  pet.  5,  un- 
guiculate, mostly   crowned  at  the  orifice;  caps.  3-celled,  6-toothed, 
many-seeded. 

216.  STELLARIA.     Calyx  5-leaved ;  pet.  5,  deeply  cleft ;  caps.  1-celled, 
opening  with  6  teeth,  many-seeded. 

217.  ARENARIA.     Calyx  5-leaved ;  pet.  5,  undivided ;  caps.  1-celled, 
many-seeded. 


PENTAGYNIA. 


218.  SPERGULA.     Calyx  5-leaved  ;  pet.  5,  undivided ;  caps,  ovate,  5- 
celled,  5-valved. 

219.  CERASTIUM.     Calyx  5-leaved ;  pet.  5,  bifid  or  emarginate ;  caps 
1-celled,  bursting  at  the  summit  with  10  teeth. 

220.  AGROSTEMMA.     Calyx   1-leaved,  tubular,  coriaceous,  5-cleft; 
pet.  5,  unguiculate;  limb   obtuse,  undivided;  caps.  1-celled,  opening 
with  5  teeth. 

221.  OXALIS.     Calyx  5-parted,   persistent;  pet  5,  slightly   connected 
at  the  claws ;  caps,  pentangular,  5-celled,  bursting  at  the  angles ;  cells 
2,  or  many-seeded  ;  seeds  covered  with  an  elastic  arillus. 

222.  PENT  HO  RUM.     Calyx  5— 10-cleft;  pet.  5  or  0;  caps.  5-pointed, 
5-celled ;  cells  dividing  transversely,  many-seeded. 


DECAGYNIA. 


223.  PHYTOLACCA.     Calyx  5-cleft,  petaloid:  berry  superior,  10- 
celled,  10-seeded. 


I)ECA  NDRIA MONOGYNIA, 


MONOGYNIA. 


Specie*.      193.  ARBUTUS.     Bear-berry. 

A.  uvaursi:  stem  procumbent;  leaves  cuneate-obovate,  very  entire, 
coriaceous ;  margin  convex ;  flowers  fasciculate ;  berries  5-seeded. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods  and  mountains.  Apr. — May,  Tj ;  evergreen; 
Jlowers  rose-color  ;  berry  red. 

194.  GAULTHERIA.     Winter-green. 

G.  procumbens  :  stem  procumbent,  with  the  flowering  branches  erect ; 

leases  obovate,  cuneate  at  the  base,  ciliate-denticulate ;  flowers  few, 

terminal,  nodding. 
HAB.    Wet  or   dry  woods.     July — Aug.   l~i  >  foot  creeping ;  leav. 

sempervir. ;  flower  white. 

195.  VACCINIUM.     Whortleberry. 

*  Leaves  deciduous. 
t  Corolla  campanulate. 

V.  stamineum:  leaves  oval,  acute,  very  entire,  glaucous  beneath; 
pedicels  solitary,  axillary,  filiform ;  corolla  spreading-campanulatc ; 
segments  oblong,  acute ;  anthers  exserted,  awned  ;  berries  somewhat 
pyriform. 

HAB.  Dry  woods  and  hills.  May — June.  Shrub  3 — 4  feet  high, 
flower  white  ;  berry  large,  white. 

b.  album :  leaves  subpubescent  beneath ;  berries  globose. 

HAB.  Pine  barrens. 

V.  dumosum :  younger  branches,  leaves,  and  racemes  sprinkled  with 
resinous  atoms;  leaves  obovate,  cuneate  at  the  base,  mucronate, 
very  entire,  green  on  both  sides ;  racemes  bracteate ;  pedicels  short, 
axillary,  subsolitary;  corolla  campanulate,  segments  rounded;  an- 
thers included. 

HAB.  Pine  barrens  and  swamps.  June.  Shrub  12 — 18  inches  high,*. 
fl.  wh.  ;  ber.  large,  depress,  black. 

V.  frondosum :  leaves  obovate-oblong,  obtuse,  very  entire,  and  sprin- 
kled with  resinous  atoms  beneath  ;  glaucous ;  racemes  loose,  bracte- 
ate ;  pedicels  long,  filiform ;  corolla  ovate-campanulate ;  anthers  in- 
cluded. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods  and  swamps.  July.  Shrub  3 — 5  feet  highf 
ber.  large,  blue,  pleasant. 

1 1  Corolla  urceolate. 
a.  Flowers  racemose,  or  fasciculate. 
V.  resinosum:  leaves  petiolate,  oblong-oval,  mostly  obtuse,  very  en- 


DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  363 

tire,  sprinkled  with  resinous  atoms  beneath ;  racemes  lateral,  secund, 
bracteate ;  corolla  ovate-conic,  pentangular. 

HAB.  Woods  and  hills.  May — June.  Shrub  2  feet  high  ;  Jl.  red- 
dish ;  her.  black,  shining. 

V.  corymbosum .•  floriferous  branches  nearly  leafless;  leaves  oblong- 
oval,  acute  at  each  extremity,  nearly  entire ;  the  younger  ones  pu- 
bescent ;  racemes  short,  sessile,  bracteate ;  corolla  cylindrical  ovate. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  May— June.  Shrub  4 — 8  feet  high ;  Jl..  white 
or  purplish  ;  ber.  black. 

V.  pennsylvanicum :  branches  angular,  green,  sessile,  oval-lanceolate, 
mucronate,  serrulate,  shining  on  both  surfaces  ;  fascicles  of  flowers 
crowded,  subterminal,  corolla  ovate. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  May— June.  Shrub  12— 18  in.  high;  bark  and 
Jl.  greenish  ;  ber.  dark  blue. 

V.  tenellum:  racemes  bracteate,  sessile;  corolla  ovate-cylindrical; 
leaves  oblong-elliptic,  subcuneiform,  serrulate,  nearly  smooth. 

HAB.  Mountains.     April. 

196.  ANDROMEDA. 

*  Leaves  sempervirent. 

A.  poli folia :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  convex ;  revolute,  glaucous  be- 
neath ;  flowers  in  short  terminal  racemes. 

HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.  Apr. — May.  Shrub  18  in.  high ;  Jl. 
wh.  urceol.,  mouth  contr.  . 

A.  calyculata :  leaves  lanceolate-oblong,  rather  obtuse,  obsoletely  serru- 
late, ferruginous  beneath ;  racemes  terminal,  leafy,  subsecund ;  calyx 
bibracteate ;  corolla  oblong-cylindrical. 

HAB.  Bog-meadows.  Apr. — May.  Shrub  3 — 4  feet  high;  leaves 
squamulose-punct.  ;  Jl.  wh. 

*  Leaves  deciduous. 

A.  racemosa :  leaves  oval-lanceolate,  acute,  serrulate,  membranaceous, 
pubescent  beneath;  racemes  terminal,  secund,  simple,  (or  rarely 
branched  ;)  corolla  oblong-cylindrical ;  anthers  4-awned  at  the  sum- 
mit. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June — July.  Shrub  4 — 6  feet  high;  racem.  long ; 
Jl.  nod. ;  wh.  odorous. 

A.  ligustrina  :  pubescent;  leaves  obovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  mi- 
nutely serrulate,  floriferous  branches  terminal,  paniculate,  naked; 
corolla  subglobose  ;  anthers  unawned. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June — July.  Shrub  4 — 8  feet  high  ;  pan.  dense  • 
Jl.  small,  wh.  ;  cap.  glob. 

197.  KALMIA.     American  Laurel. 

K.  latifolia :  leaves  on  long  petioles,  scattered  and  ternate,  coriaceous, 
green  on  both  sides ;  corymbs  terminal,  viscidly  pubescent. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  June— July.  Shrub  4— 15  feet  high ;  leav.  sem- 
perv.  ;  Jl.  large,  rose-col. 

K.  angustifolia :  leaves  ternate,  petiolate,  obtuse,  slightly  ferrugin- 
ous beneath ;  corymbs  linear ;  peduncles  and  calyx  glandular-pubes- 

32' 


364  DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods  and  swamps.     June — July.     Shrub  2  feet  high 

Jjl.  smaller,  deeper  rose-col. 
K.  glauca:  branches  ancipitous;    leaves  opposite,   subsessile,   oblong, 

smooth,  glaucous  beneath,  revolute  on  the  margin,  corymbs  terminal 

and  axillary,  bracteate ;  peduncles  and  calyx  very  smooth. 
HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps  and  mountain  bogs.     July.     Shrub  18  in. 

high  ;  Jl.  small,  rose-col, 
b.  rosmarinifolia :  leaves  linear,  conspicuously  revolute,  nearly  green 

beneath. 
HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.     Shrub  low  ;  leaves  2  lin.  broad ;  umbel. 

term. 

198.  RHODODENDRON.     Mountain-laurel. 

*  Flowers  pentandrous.     AZALEA. 

R.  nudijlorum  :  flowers  somewhat  naked ;  leaves  lanceolate-oblong, 
nearly  smooth,  and  green  on  both  sides  ;  the  midrib  bristly  beneath ; 
margin  ciliate ;  flowers  not  viscous ;  tube  longer  than  the  divisions  ; 
teeth  of  the  calyx  short,  somewhat  rounded ;  stamens  much  ex- 
serted. 

HAB.  Woods  and  copses.  May.  Shrub  2 — 6 feet  high;  Jlowers  in 
terminal  clusters,  red. 

R.  viscosum :  flowers  leafy ;  branches  hispid,  leaves  oblong-obovate, 
acute,  smooth  and  green  on  both  sides,  ciliate  on  the  margin ;  mid- 
rib bristly ;  flowers  viscous ;  tube  as  long  again  as  the  segments ; 
teeth  of  the  calyx  short,  rounded  ;  stamens  scarcely  longer  than  the 
corolla. 

HAB.  Wet  woods.  June.  Shrub  4 — 8  feet  high;  Jlower  white, 
viscous,  sweet-scented. 

R.  nitidum :  flowers  leafy ;  branches  somewhat  smooth ;  leaves  oblong- 
lanceolate,  submucronate,  coriaceous,  smooth  on  both  sides,  shining 
above ;  nerve  bristly  beneath ;  margin  revolute-ciliate ;  flowers  vis- 
cous ;  tube  a  little  longer  than  the  segments ;  calyx  very  short ;  fil- 
aments exserted. 

HAB.  Mountain  swamps.  Leaves  dark  green,  small ;  Jlower  red- 
dish white. 

*  *  flowers  cam.panula.te  ;  stamens  5 — 10. 

R.  maximum  :  arborescent ;  leaves  oblong,  acute,  paler  beneath  ;  um- 
bels terminal ;  segments  of  the  calyx  oval,  obtuse  ;  corolla  campan- 
ulate. 

HAB.  Cedar  swamps  and  mountain  bogs.  June — July.  Shrub  10 
— 15  feet  high ;  leaves  semperv.  ;  Jlower  large,  rose-colored. 

199.  RHODORA. 

R.  canadensis. 

HAB.  Mountain   bogs.     May.      Shrub   2  feet  high ;    leaves   oval 
Jlowers  in  terminal  umb.,  purplish  ;  stamen  not  exsert. 


DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA.  365 

200.  EPIG.EA.     Ground-laurel. 

E.  repens :   branches,  nerves  of  the  leaves,   and  petioles,  very  hairy  ; 

leaves  cordate-ovate,  very  entire  ;  corolla  subcylindrical. 
HAB.    Rocky   woods.      April,    <2J.  ;   a   trailing   evergreen  ;  flower 

dust.,  reddish  white. 

201.  MONOTROPA.     Bird's-nest. 

*  Scapes  many-flowered.     HYPOPITHYS. 

M.  lanuginosa :  scape  bearing  the  flowers  in  a  spike ;  bracts  and  flow- 
ers woolly. 

HAB.  Beech  woods.  Aug.  ^5  scape  scaly,  aggreg.,  4 — 6  inches 
long  ;  flower  secund,  yellowish,  parasitic  on  roots. 

M.  Hypopithys  ;  scape  bearing  the  flowers  in  a  spike ;  scales  and  flow- 
ers smooth  externally ;  lateral  flowers  octandrous. 

HAB.   Beech  woods.     July,  7J. ;  plant  dingy  yellow.     Parasitic. 

*  *  Scape  l-flowered. 

M.  uniflora ;  scape  straight,  elongated,  1-flowered;  flowers  decand- 
rous, erect  or  cernuous. 

HAB.  Woods.  June.  Root  roundish ;  plant  white  ;  scape  5 — 8 
inches  high  ;  flower  lai  ge. 

202.  PYROLA.     Winter-green. 

*  Flowers  racemed,  pointing  in  various  directions. 

P.  rotundifolia :  leaves  rounded  or  dilated,  oval,  obsoletely  serrulate, 
subcoriaceous  and  shining;  petiole  about  as  long  as  the  lamina; 
scape  many-flowered ;  style  declinate. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  July — August,  %  ;  leaves  radical,  semperv. ; 
flower  large,  reddish  white. 

P.  elliptica  :  leaves  membranaceous,  elliptical-ovate ;  serrulate,  rather 
acute ,  lamina  longer  than  the  petiole ;  scape  nearly  naked ;  bracts 
subulate ;  calyx  5-toothed  ;  style  declinate. 

HAB.    Dry  woods.     July — August,   Ij. ;   scape  10  inches  high,    l- 

•     bract.  ;  flower  sweet-scent.,  greenish  white. 

P.  asarifolia  :  leaves  subreiiiform,  generally  emarginate,  coriaceous ; 
lamina  shorter  than  the  petiole ;  scape  mostly  convolute,  many-flow- 
ered ;  calyx  appressed  ;  stamens  slightly  ascending ;  style  declinate, 
clavate. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.  July,  Tj. ;  leaves  small,  dark  green;  scape 
8 — 10  inches  high  ;  bract  solitary  ;  flower  greenish,  inodor. 

*  *  Flowers  racemed,  secund. 

P.  secunda:  leaves  roundish- ovate,  acute,  serrate;  racemes  secund; 
styles  straight. 


366  DECANDRIA DIGYNIA. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.  June — July,  Tj.;  plant  a  span  high;  sttm. 
asfurg.  ;  Jlower  greenish  white. 

*  *  *  Flowers  somewhat  umbellate  ;  styles  -eery  short. 

CHIMAPHILA. 

P.  umbellata:  leaves  cuneate-lanceolate,  acute  at  the  base,   serrate, 

uniformly  green,  scape  corymbed. 
HAB.  Dry   woods.      July,    7J. ;    stem    ascend. ;    leaves    coriaceous, 

semperv.  ;  Jlower  purplish  white. 
P.  maculata  :  leaves  lanceolate,  rounded  at  the  base,  remotely  serrate, 

discolored ;  scape  2 — 3-flowered. 
HAB.  Dry  woods.     July— August,  ^ ;    evergreen,  leaves  varieg. ; 

Jlower  purp.  white,  nodding. 

203.  LEDUM.     Labrador  Tea. 

L.  latifolium :  leaves  oblong,  replicate  on  the  margin,  ferruginous- 
tomentose  beneath ;  stamens  five,  as  long  as  the  corolla. 

HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.  June,  If. ;  a  small  evergreen  shrub ; 
Jlower  corymb.,  white. 

204.  LEIOPHYLLUM. 

L.  buxifolium. 

HAB.  Pine  barrens  and  high  mountains.     May.     A  small  evergreen 

shrub,  erect ;  leaves  oval,  half  inch  long  ;  Jlowers  num.  in  terminal 

umb.t  white. 

205.  CLETHRA. 

C.  alnifolia :  leaves  cuneate-obovate,  acute,  coarsely  serrate,  smooth 
and  green  on  both  sides ;  racemes  spiked,  simple,  bracteate,  hoary- 
tomentose. 

HAB.  Swamps.  August.  Shrub  4 — 8  feet  high  ;  leaves  alternate  ; 
Jlower  white,  sweet-scent. 

206.  CASSIA.     Wild  Pea. 

C.  marilandica:  nearly  smooth ;  leaves  in  8  pairs,  lanceolate-oblong, 
mucronate ;  gland  on  the  petiole  obovate  ;  racemes  axillary,  many- 
flowered  ;  legume  linear,  arcuate. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  August,  Ij. ;  stem  2—4  feet  high ;  Jlower 
yellow,  in  large  axillary  racemes. 

C.  Chamcecrista :  smoothish;  leaves  in  many  pairs,  linear,  with  the 
gland  on  the  petiole  subpedicellate  ;  buds  2— 3-flowered  ;  2  of  the 
petals  spotted  ;  legume  pubescent. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  June — May,  ©;  a  foot  high;  leaves  some- 
what sensitive  ;  Jlower  yellow,  in  bract,  fascic. ;  base  of  three  peti~ 
oles  spotted. 

C.  nictitans :  stem  spreading,  pubescent ;  leaves  in  many  pairs,  lin- 


DECANDRIA DIGYNIA*  367 

ear;   gland  on  the  petiole  pedicellate;   peduncles  fasciculate,   fcw- 
ilowered ;  flowers  pentandrous ;    stamens  equal. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.     Aug.  <v) ;   afoot  high,  slender ;  Jlower  very 
small,  axillary. 

207.  BAPTISIA.     Wild  Indigo. 

B.  tinctoria :  very  smooth,  much  branched;  leaves  ternate,  subsessile; 
leaflets  rounded-obovate ;  racemes  terminal,  (flowers  yellow ;)  legume 
on  a  long  stipe. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.     July— September,  Oj.  ;    stem  2—3  feet  high, 
much  branch.     Dries  black. 

DIGYNIA. 
308.  SAXIFRAGA.     Saxifrage. 

S.  virginica :   pubescent ;    leaves  oval,  obtuse,  crenate,  narrowed  at 

the  base  into  a  petiole ;  stem  nearly  leafless,  corymbose-paniculate  ; 

flowers  subsessile ;  petals  oval,  with  branched  nerves  ;   capsule  half 

inferior. 
HAB.  Rocks   and   hills.     April— May,    Tj. ;   stem  succulent,   3—12 

inches  high  ;   leaves  thick  ;  Jlower  white. 
S.  pennsylvanica  :  pubescent,  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  acute  at  each 

extremity,   obsoletely   denticulate ;    stem   naked ;    panicle    oblong ; 

flowers  fasciculate ;   petals  linear,  longer  than  the  calyx ;   capsule 

superior. 
HAB.    Swamps.      May — June,    1\. ;     leaves    radical,   5 — 8    inches 

long  ;    scape  1  £ — 2  feet  high  ;  pet.  yellow,  green. 

209.  CHRYSOSPLENIUM.     Golden  Saxifrage. 

C.  oppositifolium  :  leaves  opposite,  roundish-cordate. 

HAB.    Wet  places.      April — May,  Qj. ;  plant  succulent,  yell,  gr., 
dichot ;  Jlowers  sessile,  8-an. 

210.  TIARELLA. 

T.  cordifolia:  leaves  cordate,   acutely  lobed,  dentate;   teeth  mucro- 

nate ;   scape  racemed. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills.     May,  QJ. ;  leaves  radical,  pubes. ;  Jlowers  in  a 

simple  raceme,  ichite. 

211.  MITELLA.     False  Sanicle. 

M.  diphylla  :  leaves  somewhat  lobed,  with  the  lobes  acute  and  dentate ; 

stem  erect,  with  two  opposite  leaves  above  the  middle. 
HAB.     Banks  of  creeks.     May,   Tj. ;   a  foot  high,  simple,  slender , 

racemes  simple  ;  Jlowers  white. 
32* 


368  DECANDRIA TRIGYNIA. 

M.  cordifolia  :  leaves  orbicular-reniform,  doubly  crenate,  with  scat- 
tered  hairs  above;  scape  erect  or  prostrate,  naked,  or  with  a  single 
leaf. 

HAB.  Moist  rocks.  June,  'Zj. ;  stem  slender,  with,  creeping  stolons  ; 
flowers  few,  white. 

212.  SAPONARIA.   Soap-wort. 

S.  qfficinalis  :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate  ;   calyx  cylindric,  smooth. 
HAB.    Waste  places,   &c.      June — September,   7J. ;    stem  18  inches 
high)  scab.  ;  Jlowers  large,  rose-colored. 

213.  SCLERANTHUS.     Knawel. 

S.  annuus  :  calyx  of  the  fruit  spreading,  acute ;  stem  spreading. 
HAB.  Sandy  fields.     July,   <v> ;   stem  num.  ;  procumb.  ;  flowers  in 
axillary  fasc.,  inconspic. — §. 

TRIGYNIA. 

214.  CUCUBALUS.     Campion. 

C.  Bchen :  smooth  and  glaucous,  decumbent ;  leaves  oblong-oval, 
acute,  nerveless  ;  calyx  membranaceous,  with  reticulated  veins. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  July,  Ij.;  stem  18  inches  high,  panic.,  flower 
large,  nodding  ;  pet.  white. 

C.  stellatus :  erect,  pubescent ;  leaves  verticillate,  in  fours,  oval-lan- 
ceolate, long-acuminate. 

HAB.  Woods.  July— August,  1J.;  stem  2—3  feet  high;  pan. 
term.  ;  flower  white  ;  calyx  not  reticulated. 

215.  SILENE.     Catch-fly. 

S.  pennsylvanica :  viscidly-pubescent ;  radical  leaves  cuneate ;  stem 
leaves  lanceolate ;  panicles  trichotomous  ;  petals  slightly  emarginate, 
very  obtuse,  subcrenate. 

HAB.  Rocks  and  sandy  woods.  May — June,  Ij.;  stem  num.,  8— 
12  inches  high  ;  flower  in  term,  trichot.  panic.,  purple. 

5.  antirrhina:   leaves  lanceolate,  minutely  ciliate;  panicle  trichoto- 
mous ;  calyx  ovate ;   petals  small,  bifid,  stamens  included. 

HAB.  Hills  and  rocky  banks.  June,  © ;  stem  1—2  feet  high, 
slender  ,  flower  small  ;  pet.  white. 

216.  STELLARIA.     Stitchwort. 

6.  pubera  :  pubescent ;   stem  decumbent;  leaves  ovate-oblong,  sessile, 
acute,  subciliate,  somewhat  undulate,  pedicels  dichotomal,  recurved ; 
petals  longer  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Shady  rocks.  May— June,  1\. ;  stem  6 — 10  inches  long  ; 
flower  large,  white. 


DECANDRIA PENTAGYNIA.  369 

S.  media;  stem  procumbent,  with  an  altei nate, pubescent,  lateral  line- 
leaves  ovate,  smooth ;  petals  2-parted ;  stamens  5 — 10. 

HAB.  Cultivated  grounds,  &c.  (v).  Stems  weak  ;  leaves  petiol. ;  pe- 
dun.  \-jflowered. 

S.  longifolia :  very  smooth ;  stem  erect,  quadrangular,  weak ;  leaves 
linear-lanceolate ;  panicle  terminal ;  peduncle  divaricate,  very  long, 
bracteate ;  petals  broad-obovate,  2-parted,  longer  than  the  acute  ?- 
nerved  calyx ;  styles  3 — 4. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  June,  1|_;  stem  1  foot  high,  dichot.,  leaves  l£ 
— 2  inches  long ;  pan.  loose. 

S.  lanceolata :  very  smooth,  procumbent  or  ascending  ;  leaves  lanceo- 
late, acute  at  each  end ;  petals  about  as  long  as  the  calyx ;  stigmas 
mostly  4,  or  wanting. 

HAB.  Mountain  bogs.  June,  7|. ;  stem  diff.,  6—8  inches  long, 
flowers  axillary  and  terminal,  sometimes  apet. ;  stam.  8 — 10. 

217.  AREXARIA.     Sandwort. 

*  Leaves  without  stipules  at  the  base. 

A    peploides :   stem  dichotomous ;   leaves  ovate,  acute,  fleshy;  calyx 

obtuse. 
HAB.     Sea-coast.     July,   1J-;     stem  decumb. ;   8 — 12  inches    long, 

thick  ;  Jlowcr  subsolitary,  axill. 
A.  lateriflora ;  stem  filiform,  simple  or  branched,   pubescent;  leaves 

ovate,  subtriply  nerved ;  peduncle  lateral,  solitary,  elongated,  bifid; 

one  of  the  pedicels  with  two  opposite  bracts  near  the  middle ;  corolla 

longer  than  the  calyx. 
HAB.  Bog  meadows.     June,   Ij. ;     stem  5 — 8  inches  high ;  leaves 

sessile,  pale  green,  punct. 
A.  serpyllifolia  :  stem  dichotomous,  diffuse  ;  leaves  ovate,  acute,  sub- 

ciliate  ;  calyx  hairy  ;  exterior  leaflets  5-ribbed. 
HAB.     Sandy   fields.     May— July.   ©  ;     stem  3—8  inches  high  ; 

leaves  minute,  approx. 

*  Leaves  with  stipules  at  the  base. 

A.  rubra :  stems  prostrate ;  leaves  narrow-linear,  acute,  flat,  some- 
what fleshy,  mucronate  ;  stipules  sheathing,  ovate,  cleft. ;  capsule  as 
long  as  the  calyx ;  seeds  compressed,  angular,  roundish. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  ©.  Smooth,  spreading — calyx  viscid-pubes. — 
Jlower  red  stamens  5 — 10. 

b.  marina  :  leaves  cylindrical,  fleshy,  unarmed. 

HAB.  Salt  marshes.  May— November,  0  g -,  stem  smooth— 
Jlower  dark  rose-colored  ;  seed  compressed. 


PENTAGYNIA. 

218.  SPERGULA.     Spurrey. 

S.  arvensis :    leaves  verticillate :  panicle  dichotomous ;  peduncles  01 
the  fruit  reflexed. 


370  DECANDRIA PENTAGYN1A. 

HA8.  Sandy  fields.  June — Aug.  ®  ;  stem  6 — 10  inches  high  ; 
leaves  filiform.,  8 — 10  wkorled. —  §. 

S.  sag  inoides :  glabrous ;  leaves  opposite,  subulate,  awnless ;  pedun- 
cles solitary,  very  long,  smooth. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  July,  © ;  stem  spread.,  2 — 3  inches  long ; 
peduncles  axillary  and  term. 

219.  CERASTIUM.     Mouse-ear  duckweed. 

C.  vulgatum ;  hairy   and  viscid,   cespitose,   suberect;    leaves  ovate, 

flowers  capitate,  longer  than  their  pedicels. 
HAB.     Fields    and    dry  hills.     May — September,   <v) ;  plant  pale 

green,  -viscid  when  young. — §. 
C.  viscosum  :  hairy  and  viscid,  spreading ;  leaves  oblong-lanceolate  ; 

flowers  somewhat  panicled,  shorter  than  their  pedicels. 
HAB.     Fields  and  road  sides.     May — September,  7]. ;  darker  green, 

spreading,  rarely  vise. 

220.  AGROSTEMMA.     Corn-Cockle. 

A.  Githago  :  hairy ;  calyx  much  longer  than  the  corolla ;  petals  en- 
tire, without  a  crown. 

HAB.  Corn-fields.  June— July,  ©  ;  plant  pale  green,  2  feet  high; 
Jlower  large,  purple. 

221.  OXALIS.     Wood-sorrel. 

*  Stemless. 

O.  Acetocella:  stemless;  scape  1-flowered,  longer  than  the  leaves; 
leaves  ternate,  dilated-obcordate,  pilose ;  styles  as  long  as  the  interi- 
or stamens ;  root  dentate. 

HAB.  Mountains.  June,  1\. ;  leaves  often  purple  beneath— Jlow- 
er s  large,  wh.  veined. 

O.  violacea:  stemless;  scape  umbelliferous;  flowers  nodding ;  leaves 
ternate,  obcordate,  smooth  ;  segments  of  the  calyx  callous  at  the  tip ; 
styles  shorter  than  the  exterior  stamens  ;  root  squamose. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  April— June,  '4;  root  thick,  with  ciliate 
scales— fl.  violet. 

*  *  Caulescent. 

O.  stricta :  hairy ;  stem  erect,  branched ;  leaves  ternate,  obcordate , 
umbels  longer  than  the  petioles ;  petals  obovate,  entire ;  styles  as 
long  as  the  interior  stamens. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  May— Aug.  ^  1  stem  4—10  in.  high,  never 
creeping— -ft.  sm.,  yel. 

222.  PENTHORUM.     Virginia  Stone-crop. 

P.  sedoides  :  stem  branched,  angular  above ;  leaves  lanceolate,  subses- 
sile,  unequally  serrate ;  spikes  simple,  secund,  recurved,  paniculate ; 
seeds  elliptical. 


ICOSANDRIA DI-PENTAOYNIA.  371 

HAB.  Wet  places.    July — Aug.  % ;  stem  12 — 18  in.  high — leaves 
alt. — pet.  mostly  0 


DECAGYNIA. 


223.  PHYTOLACCA.     Poke. 

P.  decandra :  leaves  ovate,  acute  at  each  end ;  flowers  with  10  stamens 

and  10  styles. 
HAB.  Waste  places.     June— Oct.  %. ;  smooth,  4—8  feet  high,  purp. 

—fl.  racem.  wh. — ber.  purp. 


ICOSANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 


Genera. 


224.  CACTUS.     Calyx    superior,    many-cleft;    segments  imbricate; 
pet.  numerous,  inserted  in  several  series ;   the  interior  ones  larger ; 
stig.  many-cleft ;  berry  1-celled,  many-seeded. 

225.  PRUNUS.     Calyx  inferior,  campanulate,  5-cleft,  deciduous  ;  pet. 
5  ;  drupe  even ;  nut  with  a  prominent  suture. 

226.  LYTHRUM.     Calyx  tubular-campanulate,  6—12  toothed  ;  pet.  6, 
equal,  inserted  upon  the  calyx  ;  caps.  2 — 4-celled,  many-seeded 


DI-PENTAGYNIA. 

227.  AGRIMONIA.     Calyx  inferior,  5-cleft,  with  a  lobed  calicle  a 
its  base ;  petals  5 ;  stamens  12 ;   achen.   2,   in  the  bottom  of  the 
calyx. 

228.  CRAT^EGUS.    Calyx  superior,  5-cleft ;  pet.  5 ;  styles  1—5  ;  fruti 
pulpy,  closed,  with  from  2 — 5  1 -seeded  nuts. 

229.  SORBUS.     Calyx  5-cleft ;  pet.  5 ;  styles  2  or  3  ;  berry  inferior,  far- 
inaceous, with  3  cartilaginous  seeds. 

230.  ARONIA.     Calyx  5-toothed  ;  pet.  5  ;  berry  inferior,  5 — 10-celled ; 
cells  1 — 2-seeded  ;  seeds  cartilaginous. 

231.  SPIRAEA.    Calyx  inferior,  5-cleft,  expanding;  pet  5,  eqaal,  round- 
ish ;  stam.  numerous,  exserted ;  caps,  numerous,  (3 — 12,)  1-celled. 
2-valved,  each  1 — 3-seeded. 


372  ICOSANDR1A MONOGVNIA. 

POLYGNIA. 


232.  ROSA.     Calyx  urceolate,  fleshy,  contracted  at  the  orifice ;  border 
5-cleft ;  pet.  5  ;  seeds  numerous,  hispid,  attached  to  the  interior  side 
of  the  calyx. 

233.  RUB  US.     Calyx  5-cleft,  inferior;  pet.  5  ;  fruit  composed  of  many 
1 -seeded  juicy  acines,  on  a  dry  receptacle. 

234.  DALIBARDA.     Calyx  inferior,  8-cleft,  spreading ;  styles  5 — 8, 
long  and  deciduous ;  seeds  dry. 

235.  GEUM.     Calyx  10-cleft,  inferior ;  the  alternate  segments  smaller ; 
pet.  5  ;  seeds  awned,  with  the  awn  naked  or  bearded,  mostly  genicu- 
late. 

236.  POTENTILLA.     Calyx  flat,  10-cleft,  (rarely  8  or  12-cleft;)  seg- 
ments alternately  smaller ;  pet.  5,  (rarely  4  ;)  seeds  or  acines  subo- 
vate ;  mostly  rugose,  immerged  in  a  common  receptacle,  which  is 
juiceless  or  spongy,  more  or  less  hemispherical. 

237.  FRAGRARIA.     Calyx  10-cleft ;  pet.  5 ;  acines  naked,  fixed  on  a 
large,  pulpy,  deciduous  receptacle. 


ICOSANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 

species.     224.  CACTUS.     Indian  Fig,  &c. 

C.  opuntia :  articulately  proliferous ;  articulations  compressed,  ovate ; 

spines  setaceous ;  fruit  succulent,  smooth. 
HAB.     Rocks  and  sandy  fields.    June — July  ty;  procumb.,  leajl., 

fleshy ;  Jlower  yet. 

225.  PRUNUS.     Plum  and  Cherry. 

*  Flowers  racemose. 

V.  virginiana, :  racemes  erect,  elongated  ;  leaves  deciduous,  oval-ob- 
long, acuminate,  shining  above,  serrate,  smooth  on  both  sides ;  peti- 
oles with  2 — 1  glands. 

HAB.  Woods.  May.  A  large  tree  ;  racem.  simp. ;  Jlower  white ; 
drupe  black. 

P.  serotina  :  racemes  loose,  at  length  pendulous ;  leaves  deciduous, 
ovate,  with  a  short  acumination,  doubly  and  very  acutely  serrate 
midrib  bearded  on  each  side  towards  the  base  ;   petiole  with   2 
glands. 


ICOSANDRIA DI-PENTAGYNIA.  373 

HAB.  Woods.     May.     A  small  tree  ;  leaves  thin;  drupe  ted 
*  Peduncles  subumbellate  or  solitary. 

P.  pennsylvanica :  flowers  subcorymbed ;    pedicels  elongated  ;  leaves 

ovate-oblong,   acuminate,  erosely  denticulate,  smooth  ;    petioles  with 

glands ;  branches  punctate  ;  fruit  subovate. 
HAB.  Mountains.     June.     A  small  tree ;   leaves  memb. ;  corymb  6 

— S-Jlowered  ;   drupe  red. 
P.  pubescens  :  leaves  sessile,  aggregated,  few-flowered ;  peduncles  and 

calyx  pubescent  ;  leaves  short-oval,  serrulate ;  drupe  spherical. 
HAB.  Sandy  shores  and  hills  sides.     May.     Shrub  2 — 3  feet  high; 

fruit  br.  purp.,  glauc. 
P.  pumila  :  umbefs   aggregated,  sessile,  few-flowered ;    calyx  acute ; 

branches  virgate,  terete;    leaves   narrow-lanceolate,  serrate  above, 

pale  beneath. 
HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.     May.     Shrub  2 — 3  feet  high  ;  leaves  long  ; 

fruit  red,  acid. 
P.  depressa  :    umbels  sessile,  aggregated,  few-flowered ;  calyx  obtuse ; 

branches   angular,   depressed,   prostrate ;    leaves  « ineate-lanceolate, 

remotely  serrate,  smooth,  glaucous  beneath. 
HAB.    Sandy  shores.     A  shrub,  low,  spreading  ;  fr.  small,  black, 

agreeable. 

226.  LYTHRUM.     Loose-strife. 

Calyx  subcampanulate,  IQ-toothed  ;   capsule  3 — ^-celled. 

DECODON. 

L.  verticillatum  :  pubescent ;  leaves  opposite  and  ternate,  lanceolate, 
petiolate ;  flowers  axillary,  verticillate,  decandrous  ;  petals  undulate ; 
fruit  subglobose. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  'ZJ.;  stem  %  feet  high,  Q-ang.  ;  flowers  in 
axill.  corymbs,  purp. 

DI-PENTAGYNIA. 

227.  AGRIMONIA.     Agrimony. 

A.   eupatoria  :    hairy ; .  cauline  leaves  interruptedly  pinnate ;   leaflets 

ovate,  with  the  terminal  one  petiolate,  acutely  dentate,  smoothish ; 

spike  virgate ;  petals  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx  ;    fruit  turbinate, 

hispid,  smooth  at  the  base. 
HAB.    Woods   and   hedges.     June — Aug.    % ;   stem   2  feet  high, 

simp.  ;  fl.  small,  yellow. 
b.   hirsuta :    whole  plant  very  hairy. 

228.  CRAT^EGUS.     Hawthorn. 

C.  codcinea  :  thorny  ;  leaves  on  long  petioles,  ovate,  subfcordate,  acute- 


374  ICOSANDRIA  -  DI-PENTAGYNIA. 

ly  lobed  and  serrate,  petioles  and  the  pubescent  calyx  glandular 

flowers  pentagynous. 
HAB.  Woods.     May.     A   large  shrub  ;   spines  long  ;  Jl.  corymb.^ 

wh.  ;  fr.  red,  edible. 
C.   cordata  :   thorny  ;   leaves  cordate-ovate,  pinnatifid,  lobed  and  an- 

gled, smooth;   petioles  and  calyx  without  glands;   flowers  penta- 

gynous. 
HAB.  Hedge  rows  and  river  brinks.     A  large  shrub;  corymbs,  comp. 

—fr.  red,  glob. 
C.  pyrifolia  :   thorny  or  unarmed  ;  leaves  ovate-elliptic,  incisely  ser- 

rate, somewhat  plicate  and  hairy  ;   calyx  villous  ;   segments  linear- 

lanceolate,  serrate  ;   flowers  trigynous. 
HAB.  Rocky  woods,  &c.     June,  1}.  ;    leav»*  large,  sublob.  ;  pedunc. 

and  cat.  foment. 

229.  SORBUS.     Mountain  Ash. 

S.   americana  :  leaves  pinnate  ;  leaves  somewhat  equally  serrate,  and 

with  the  common  petiole  very  smooth. 
HAB.  Mountains.     May.     A  large  shrub  ;   leafl.  7  yairs  ;   corymbs 

term.  ;  fr.  fulv. 

230.  ARONIA. 

A.   arbutifolia:  unarmed;    leaves    ovate-oblong,   acute,    crenulately 

serrulate,  tomentose  beneath;    flowers  in  corymbs;  calyx   tomen 

lose. 
HAB.  Low  thickets.     May.     Shrub  2—4  feet  high  ;  fruit  scarlet, 

sweetish  and  astring. 

b.   melanocarpa  :  leaves  beneath,  and  the  calyx  smooth  ;   fruit  black. 
HAB.  Mountains  ;  rarely  in  Dogs.     Leaves  narrower  ;  fruit  black. 
A.   botryapium  ;  unarmed  ;  leaves  cordate,  oval,  conspicuously  acu- 

minate, glabrous  when  mature  ;  flowers  in  racemes  ;   petals  linear- 

lanceolate. 
HAB.  Low  grounds.     May.     A  small  tree  ;  young  leaves  silky  ;  fr. 

purp.,  eatable. 
A.  ovalis  :   unarmed  ;   leaves  roundish-elliptical,  acute,  smooth  ;  flow- 

ers in  racemes  ;  petals  obovate  ;  germens  and  segments  of  the  calyx 

pubescemt. 
HAB.  Swamps.     A  small  shrub  ;   her.  black  and  eatable. 

231.  SPIRAEA.     Meadow-sweet. 

S.  salicifolia  :  leaves  lanceolate,  acutely  serrate,  smooth  ;   racemes  ter- 

minal, compound  ;   flowers  pentagynous. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows.     July.     Stem  2—  4/eeJ  high  ;  leaves  obtuse  or 

acute  ;  flower  wh. 
S.  tomentose:    leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  unequally   serrate,  tomento-*e 

beneath;   racemes  terminal,  compound,   crowded,  flowers  pentagy- 


. Low  grounds.    July—  Aug.    Suffrut  .  2—4  feet  high  ; 
slong.  ;  Jl.  purp. 


ICOSANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 

POLYGYNIA. 
232.  ROSA.     Rose. 


R.  parvifiora :  fruit  depressed-globose,  and,  with  the  peduncles,  hispid  , 
petioles  pubescent,  somewhat  prickly  ;  stem  smooth  ;  stipular  prick- 
les straight ;  leaflets  elliptical-lanceolate,  simply  serrate,  smooth  when 
mature ;  flowers  mostly  by  pairs. 

HAB.  Woods  and  copses.  June — July.  Shrub  3  feet  high  ;  Jlow- 
ers  large,  red. 

R.  Carolina :  fruit  globose,  and,  with  the  peduncles,  somewhat  hispid  ; 
petioles  hairy,  somewhat  prickly  ;  stem  smooth ;  prickles  uncinate ; 
leaflets  (5 — 7,)  oblong-lanceolate,  acute,  sharply  serrate,  glaucous  be- 
neath ;  flowers  in  corymbs. 

HAB.  Swamps  and  wet  thickets.  June — July.  Shrub  3 — 8  feel 
high  ;  prickles  strong :  corymbs  5 — 1-Jlowered ;  petals  obovate, 
large. 

R.  rubiginosa:  fruit  ovate ;  peduncles  and  petioles  glandular-hispid; 
stem  smooth ;  branches  and  prickles  recurved ;  leaflets  oblong, 
opaque,  pubescent  above,  ferruginous  and  glandular  beneath. 

HAB.  Hedges,  &c.  Shrub,  slend.  climb.  ;  leaf,.  5 — 7,  sweet-scent.  ; 
Jl.  pale  red. 


233.  RUBUS.     Bramble. 

*  Frutescent. 

R.  villosus :  pubescent,  hispid,  prickly ;  stem  angular ;  leaflets  in 
fives,  digitate,  elliptical,  acuminate,  serrate,  pubescent  on  both 
sides ;  calyx  short-acuminate ;  racemes  loose,  naked ;  pedicels  soli- 
tary. 

HAB.  Fields  and  hedges.  June.  Shrub  4— 6  feet  high;  fl.  wh. ; 
fr.  large,  black. 

b.frondosus:  pubescence  simple;  racemes  leafy,  few-flowered;  the 
upper  flowers  opening  first ;  petals  orbicular-ovate,  approximate. 

HAB.  Road  sides.     Fl.  larger. 

R.  strigosus :  unarmed ;  strongly  hispid ;  leaflets  in  threes,  or  pin- 
nate in  fives,  oval,  obtuse  at  the  base,  marked  with  lines,  and  whit- 
ish-downy beneath ;  the  terminal  one  often  subcordate ;  peduncles 
and  calyx  hispid. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  May.  Shrub  upright ;  raceme  few-Jl.  ;  fr.  red, 
agreeable. 

R.  cuneifolius :  branches,  petioles,  and  peduncles  pubescent ;  stem, 
erect;  slightly  angular;  leaflets  ternate,  cuneate-obovate,  entire  at 
the  base,  suhplicate,  tomentose  beneath  ;  racemes  loose ;  pedicels 
solitary,  1-flowered. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields  and  woods.  June.  Shrub  2  feet  high;  fruit 
black,  orate,  agreeable. 

R.  occidentalis :  branches  and  petioles  glaucous  and  aculeate ;  leaves 
33 


376  ICOSANJJRIA POLYGYNIA. 

ternate ;  leaflets  ovate-acuminate,  somewhat  lobed,  coarsely  serrate, 
hoary  tomentose  beneath ;  petioles  terete  ;  racemes  terminal. 

HAB.  Rocky  places.  May — August.  Stem  long,  slender;  ra- 
cemes long  ;  Jr.  black,  round. 

R.  trivialis :  sarmentose  procumbent ;  petioles  and  peduncles  aculeate- 
hispid,  with  the  prickles  recurved  ;  stipules  subulate ;  leaves  ternate 
and  quinate  oval,  acute,  unequally  serrate ;  pedicels  solitary,  elon- 
gated. 

HAB.  Stony  fields.  May — June.  Stems  long;  leaves  subsemperv. ; 
Jr.  large,  black. 

R.  odoratus  :  unarmed,  erect,  viscidly  pubescent ;  leaves  simple,  acute, 
3 — 5-lobed ;  corymbs  terminal,  divaricate  ;  calyx  appendiculate ; 
petals  nearly  round. 

HAB.  Rocky  places.  June.  Shrub  3 — 4  feet  high ;  Jloicer  large, 
purple  ;  fr.  yellow,  large. 

*  *  Somewhat  herbaceous. 

R.  saxatilis  b.  canadensis :  herbaceous,  pubescent ;  stems  creeping ; 
leaves  ternate  ;  leaflets  rhombic,  acute,  incisely  dentate,  naked ;  the 
terminal  one  petiolate  ;  flowers  somewhat  in  threes ;  pedicels  elon- 


gated. 
[AB. 


HAB.  Mountains.     Fruit  small,  black. 

234.  DALIBARDA. 


D.   repens :  villous ;  stolons  creeping ;   leaves  simple,  cordate,  c,cnate ; 

peduncles  1-flowered. 
HAB.  Woods  and  mountains.     June,  7J. ;  scape  Jilif. ;  Jlower  white  ; 

pet.  ovate. 

235.  GEUM.     Avens. 

G.  strictum:  hairy;  leaves  all  interruptedly  pinnate;  the  terminal 
leaflet  larger  ;  leaflets  ovate, dentate;  stipules  incisi d ;  calyx  with  5 
alternate  segments,  linear  and  short ;  flowers  erect ;  petals  roundish, 
a  little  longer  than  the  segments ;  awns  naked,  uncinate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  Tj. ;  stem  simple,  2  feet  high  ;  Jlower  large, 
yellow,  dust. 

G.  virginianum :  pubescent ;  radical  and  lower  cauline  leaves  ternate 
— the  upper  lanceolate  ;  stipules  ovate,  nearly  entire  ;  flowers  erect ; 
petals  shorter  than  the  calyx  ;  awns  uncinate,  naked,  hairy,  and 
twisted  at  the  summit. 

HAB.  Woods  and  thickets.  June— July,  Tj. ;  stem  2  feet  high ; 
Jlower  pedunc.,  yell.-white. 

G.  ricale :  pubescent ;  stem  simple ;  radical  leaves  interruptedly  pin- 
nate ;  cauline  ones  3-cleft  •;  flowers  nodding ;  petals  as  long  as  the 
calyx ;  awns  plumose,  nearly  naked  at  the  summit,  minutely  uncin- 
ate. 

HAB.  Bogs. j^i ay— June.  Stem  1J — 2  feet  high;  term.  Lcajl. 
irple. 


ICOSANDRIA POLYGYNIA.  377 

236.  POTENTILLA. 

*  Leaves  ternate.. 

P.  norvegica:  stem  erect,  dichotomous  above;  leaves  ternate,  petio- 
late ;  leaflets  oblong,  acutely  serrate,  with  spreading  hairs ;  pedicels 
axillary ;  petals  obovate,  shorter  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Old  fields.  June — Aug.  <g> ;  hairy,  8  inches  high;  stipules 
large  ;  Jiowers  yellow. 

*  *  Leaves  digitate. 

P.  canadensis :  whole  plant  silky  villous ;  stem  procumbent  and  as- 
cending, somewhat  branched ;  leaves  quinate  obovate,  incisely  den- 
tate ;  peduncles  solitary,  elongated ;  segments  of  the  calyx  linear- 
lanceolate  ;  petals  orbicular,  nearly  as  long  as  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  April — May,  3J. ;  stem  2 — 10  inches  high; 
Jiowers  yellow  ;  recept.  hairy. 

P.  simplex :  stem  sarmentose ;  simple ;  leaves  quinate ;  leaflets  ob- 
long oval,  coarsely  serrate,  hairy  beneath ;  stipules  incised;  pedun- 
cles axillary,  solitary,  elongated ;  petals  roundish  obcordate,  a  little 
longer  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  May — Aug.  Ij.;  hairy;  ped.  \-Jlowered  ; 
Jiowers  yellow. 

P.  argentea :  stem  ascending ;  leaves  quinate ;  leaflets  cuneiform,  in- 
cised, revolute  on  the  margin,  white  and  tomentose  beneath ;  petals 
retuse,  a  little  longer  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Rocks  and  fields.  June — September,  71;  often  spreading; 
leaves  green  above  ;  Jlower  yellow. 

*  *  *  Leaves  pinnate. 

P.  fruticosa :  stem  fruticose ;  leaves  pinnate ;  leaflets  oblong-lanceo- 
late, very  entire ;  petals  longer  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Bog  meadows.  June.  A  shrub  2  feet  high  ;  much  branched ; 
Jlower  yellow. 

P.  Anserina:  stem  creeping;  leaves  interruptedly  pinnate;  leaflet* 
numerous,  incisely  and  very  acutely  serrate,  silky ;  pedicels  axillary, 
solitary,  as  long  as  the  leaves  ;  stipules  many -cleft. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June,  Tj.;  stems  long;  leaflets  7— 10 pairs, 
white  beneath  ;  Jlower  yellow. 

237.  FRAGARIA.     Strawberry. 

P.  virginiana:  leaflets  broad-oval,  smoothish  above;  the  lateral  one 
distinctly  petiolate ;  hairs  of  the  petiole  spreading ;  of  the  peduncles 
appressed  ;  fructiferous ;  calyx  spreading. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  May — June,  7J- ;  stem  sarment. ;  Jlower 
white  ;  fr.  red. 


378  POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 

POLYANDRIA. 
MONOGYNIA. 


238.  TILIA.     Calyx  inferior,  5-partcd,  deciduous;  pet.  5;  capsule  glo- 
bose, 5-celled,  5-valved,  opening  at  the  base ;  (by  abortion   1-celled, 
1— 2-seeded.) 

239.  HELIANTHEMUM.     Calyx  5-leaved;  exterior  leaflets  smaller 
— pet.  5 ;  capsule  superior,  1-celled,  3-valved ;  valves  septiferous  in 
the  middle ;  seeds  angular. 

240.  PORTULACCA.     Calyx  inferior,  bifid;  pet.  5;  capsule  1-celled, 
opening  circularly ;  recept.  unconnected,  5-lobed. 

241.  CHELIDONIUM.     Calyx   2-leaved,  deciduous;  pet.  4;  stigma 
small,    sessile,    bifid;   capsule   elongated,   silique-form,    2-valved,    1- 
celled,  linear;  seeds  numerous,  crested. 

242.  SANGUINARIA.      Calyx  2-leaved,   deciduous;  pet.   about  8; 
stigma   didymous ;  capsule  oblong,  2-valved,  1-cellcd,  acute  at  each 
end ;  valves  deciduous  ;  recept.  2,  persistent. 

243.  ACTJSA.     Calyx  4-leaved,   deciduous;  pet.   4,  often  wanting; 
stigma  sessile,  capitate;  b erry  superior,  1-celled,  many-seeded;  seeds- 
hemispherical. 

244.  SARRACENIA.     Calyx  double,  persistent ;  exterior  smaller,  3- 
leaved ;  interior  5-leaved ;    pet.   5,  deciduous ;    stigma   very  large, 
persistent,  peltate  covering  the  stamens ;  capsule  5  celled,  5-valved, 
many-seeded. 

245.  NUPHAR.     Calyx  5 — 6-leaved  ;  pet.  numerous,  minute,  inserted 
with  the  stamens  upon  the  receptacle ;  stigma  disk-form,  radiate ; 
pericarp  berry-like,  many-celled,  many-seeded. 

246.  NYMPH^EA.     Calyx  4 — 5-leaved;  pet.  numerous,  inserted  upon 
the  germens  beneath  the  stamens ;  stigma  disk-form,  radiate ;  peri- 
carp berry-like,  many-celled,  many-seeded. 


DI-PENTAGYNIA. 


247.  AQUILEGIA.      Calyx  5-leaved,   petaloid,   deciduous;   petals  5, 
terminating  below  in  a  spurred  nectary  ;  capsule  5,  erect,  acuminate 
with  the  styles,  many-seeded. 

248.  CIMICIFUGA.     Calyx  4— 5-leaved  ;  pet.  4—6,  (sometimes  want- 


ing ;)  capsules  4 — 5,  oblong,  many-seeded. 
249.  HYPERICUM.     Calyx  5-parted; 


segments  equal;  pet.  5;  stam. 
polyadelphous ;  styles  1—5 ;  capsule  membranaceous,  1 — 5-celled. 


POLYGYNIA. 


250.  LIRIODENDRON.     Calyx  3-leaved ;  pet.  6 ;  samaras  sublanc*- 
olate,  1 — 2-seeded,  imbricated  in  a  cone. 


POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA.  370 

251.  CLEMATIS.     Invol.  Q,  or  calyciform;  calyx  4— 8-leaved,  color 
ed ;  pet.  0,  or  very  short ;  seeds  with  a  long,  mostly  plumose  cauda. 

252.  ANEMONE.     InvoL  3-leaved,  distant  from  the  flower;  leaflets  di- 
vided; calyx  petaloid,  5 — 15-leaved;  pet.  0;  seeds  numerous. 

253.  THALICTRTJM.     Invol.  0;  calyx  4— 5-leaved,  petaloid ;  pet.  0; 
seeds  without  awns. 

254.  CALTHA.     Calyx  colored,  5-leaved;  leaflets  orbicular,  petaloid ; 
caps.  5 — 10,  compressed,  spreading,  1-celled,  many-seeded. 

255.  COPTIS.     Calyx  5 — 6-leaved,  colored,  and  petaloid,  deciduous; 
pet.  small,  cucullate ;  caps.  5 — 8,  stipulate,  diverging,   ovate-oblong, 
5 — 6-seeded,  rostrate. 

256.  HEPATIC  A.     Invol.  3-leaved,  near  the  flower,  resembling  a  ca- 
lyx ;  leaflets  entire ;  calyx  6 — 9-leaved,  petaloid,  disposed  in  several 
series ;  seeds  without  awns. 

257.  RANUNCULUS.     Calyx-  5-leaved;  pet  5,  with  a  nectariferous 
pore  at  the  base,  on  the  inside;  capsules  numerous,  ovate,  shortly 
mucronate,  1 -seeded,  not  opening. 

258.  BRASENIA.     Calyx  3-leaved;  pet.  3—1;   pericarp  oblong,  2- 
seeded ;  seeds  pendulous. 


POLYANDRIA. 
POLYGYNIA. 

Specie*.         238.  TILIA.     Bass-wood. 

T.  glabra:  leaves  round-cordate,  abruptly  acuminate,  acutely  serrate, 
subcoriaceous,  smooth ;  petals  truncate  at  the  apex,  crenate ;  style  as 
long  as  the  petals,  equal ;  fruit  ovate,  subcordate. 

HAB.  Woods.  June.  A  large  tree;  flower  cymose;  yell.-white, 
ped.  winged. 

239.  HELIANTHEMUM. 

H.  canadense:  without  stipules;  erect,  hairy;  leaves  erect,  linear- 
lanceolate,  flat,  paler  beneath ;  raceme  terminal,  few-flowered ;  seg- 
ments of  the  calyx  broad-ovate ;  capsule  shorter  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Dry  fields  and  woods.  June,  %  ;  a  foot  high  ;  Jlower  yel- 
low ;  calyx  hairy. 

240.  PORTULACCA.     Purslane. 

P.  oleracea :  leaves  cuneiform,  smooth  ;  flowers  sessile. 
HAB.  Cultivated   grounds,  &c.     May — Aug.  <v) ;  spreading,  succr* 
lent ;  Jlower  yellow. — §. 


380  POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 

5841.  CHELIDONIUM. 


C.  majus:  leaves  pinnate,  lobed;  segments  rounded  ;  umbels  axillary, 

pedunculate ;  petals  elliptical,  entire. 
HAB.  Along   fences,   &c.     May — October,   1].;  plant  yielding   an 

orange  juice,  branch. ;  leaves  glauc.  ;  Jlower  yellow. — §. 

242.   SANGUINARIA.     Blood-root. 

S.  canadensis. 

HAB.  Fertile  woods.  April— May,  Tj.;  root  tubular,  with  a  bitter 
juice  ;  leaves  rad.,  renif.  ;  Jlower  large,  white,  solitary. 

243.  ACT^A.     Bane-berry. 

A.  americana :  leaves  twice  and  thrice  ternate ;  raceme  ovate ;  petals 
shorter  than  the  stamens  ;  berries  ovate-oblong. 

o.  alba  :  petals  truncate,  pedicels  of  the  fruit  thicker  than  the  pedun- 
cle ;  berries  white. 

b.  rubra:  petals  acute;  pedicels  of  the  fruit  slender;  berries  red. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  May,  'ZJ.;  stem  2  feet  high;  leajlets  ovate- 
lanceolate,  incis. ;  Jlower  white. 

244.  SARRACENIA.     Side-saddle  flower. 

S.  purpurea:  leaves  much  shorter  than  the  scape,  inflated;  ventral 
wing  arched;  appendix  erect,  broad-cordate,  undulate,  not  mucro- 
nate. 

HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.  June — July.  Leaves  alt.  rad.,  large 
and  tubular,  open  at  the  top ;  scape  I  foot  high;  Jlower  large,  soli- 
tary, purple. 

245.  NUPHAR.     Yellow  Pond-lily. 

N.  advena:  caiyx   6-leaved;  petals   numerous;    fruit  sulcate;   leaves 

cordate,  with  divaricate  lobes;  petioles  semicylindrical. 
HAB.  In  water.     June — July,  % ;  leaves  upright  or  Jloating  ;  Jloioer 

large,  depressed,  yellow. 
N.  Kalmiana :  calyx  5-leaved ;  stigmas  incised,  8 — 12  rayed ;  leaves 

cordate,  with  approximate  lobes ;  petioles  roundish. 
HAB.  In  water.     July — August,  1}. ;  leaves  andjlowers  small ;  calyx 

equal. 

246.  NYMPH^EA.     Water-lily. 

N.  odorata  .  leaves  orbicular-cordate,  entire ;  nerves  and  veins  promi- 
nent; c?.lyx  4-leaved,  equal  to  the  petals;  stigma  16 — 20-rayed;  rays 
indexed.  " 

HAB.  In  water.  June — July.  1^;  leaves  Jloating;  Jlower  large 
white,  odorous. 


POLYANDRIA DI-PENTAGYNIA.  381 

DI-PENTAGYNIA. 


247.  AQUILEGIA.     Columbine. 
1.  LA. 

A.  canadensis :  spurs  straight;  styles  and  stamens  exserted;  calyx 
rather  acute,  longer  than  the  petals  ;  division  of  the  leaves  3-parted, 
rather  obtuse,  incisely  toothed. 

HAB.  Rocks.  April — May,  •'ZJ.;  Jl.  pend.}  scarl.  ext.,  yd.  int.;  fr. 
erect. 

248.  CIMICIFUGA.     Black  Snake-root. 

C.  racemosa  :  leaves  ternately  decompound ;  leaflets  ovate- oblong,  in- 
cised and  dentate ;  racemes  paniculate,  elongated ;  flowers  with  one 
style ;  capsule  ovate. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  June — July,  7J. ;  stem  4— -8  feet  high;  Jl. 
white  ;  pet.  0. 

249.   HYPERICUM.     St.  John's-wort. 

*  Styles  3  ;   stamens  numerous,  indefinite  ;  flowers  yellow. 

H.  perforatum :  stem  ancipital ;  leaves  obtuse,  oblong,  with  pellucid 
punctures;  flowers  paniculate  ;  calyx  lanceolate;  styles  diverging. 

HAB.  Fields.  June — Aug.  1\. ;  a  foot  high  ;  branched  ;  anthers 
black-punctate. — §. 

H.  punctatum  :  stem  terete,  black-punctate ;  leaves  oblong-oval,  ob- 
tuse, amplexicaul ;  flowers  corymbed,  punctate ;  calyx  lanceolate. 

HAB.  Meadows  and  woods.  June — Aug.  1|. ;  stem  2  feet  high — 
branch.  ;  Jl.  small. 

H.  canadense  :  stem  erect  and  straight,  4-winged  ;  leaves  linear,  at- 
tenuate at  the  base,  rather  obtuse  ;  panicle  elongated,  dichotomous ; 
calyx  lanceolate ;  styles  very  short ;  capsule  conical. 

HAB.  Sandy  places.  June — July,  ©  ;  stem  6 — 10  in.  high—Jlow- 
ers  minute  ;  caps.  red. 

H.  sarothra :  erect,  much  branched  above ;  branches  setaceous : 
leaves  minute,  subulate,  appressed ;  flowers  terminal,  subsolitary ; 
stamens  few ;  capsules  1-celled. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  June— Aug.  (v) ;  stem  3—  6  in.^high ;  leaves 
inconspic.  ;  Jl.  minute. 

*  *  Calyx  of  5  equal  leaves  ;  styles  3  ;  stamens  numeroust 

somewhat  definite  ;    (9 — 15 — 18,)  distinctly 
polydelphous. 

H.  virginicum :  stem  terete,  leaves  oblong,  amplexicaul,  punctate, 
very  obtuse,  flowers  pedunculate,  in  terminal  and  axillary  peduncles ; 
calyx  lanceolate  ;  stamens  mostly  9. 

HAB.  Swamps.  July — Sept.  1|.;  stem  I  foot  high ;  Jl.  middle-sizea, 
reddish. 


382  POT.YANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 


POLYGYN1A. 
250.  LIRIODENDRON.     Tulip-tree. 

L.  tulipifera. 

HAB.  Woods.  July.  A  large  tree  ;  leaves  4-lobed,  truncate  »  ft. 
large,  sol.,  yel.-gr. 

251.  CLEMATIS.     Virgin's-bower. 

C.  Virginian  a  :  climbing;  leaves  ternate ;  leaflets  ovate,  subeordate, 
incisely  toothed  and  lobed,  acute  ;  flowers  paniculate,  dioecious. 

HAB.  Shady  thickets.  July — Aug.  1?  ;  stem  long ;  fl.  white,  in 
large  dichot.  pan. 

t  Calyx  4-leaved  ;   petals  numerous,  minute.     ATRAGENE. 

C.  rerticillaris :  leaves  verticillate  in  fours,  ternate ;  leaflets  cordate, 
nearly  entire  ;  peduncles  1 -flowered  ;  petals  acute. 

HAB.  Mountains.  May — June,  T?  ;  climbing ;  flowers  very  larget 
purp. 

252.   ANEMONE.     Wind-flower. 

A.  nemorosa :  b.  quinquefolia :  leaves  ternate  ;  segments  5-parted,  in- 
cisely  dentate,  lanceolate,  acute  ;  involucrum  similar,  petiolate  ;  stem 
1 -flowered  ;  calyx  6-leaved ;  capsules  awnless. 

HAB.  Woods.  April— May,  '2J-;  root  black,  tub.;  stem  6  inches 
high  ;  flowers  white  or  purplish. 

A.  virginiana  :  leaves  ternate ;  segments  3-clefl,  acuminate,  incisely 
toothed  ;  involucrum  similar,  petiolate  ;  leaflets  of  the  calyx  acumi- 
nate ;  fruit  oblong. 

HAB.  Woods.  July,  Tj. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  flower  gr.  yd.  ;  caZ. 
hairy ;  caps,  woolly. 

253.  THALICTRUM.     Meadow-rue. 


*  Stamens  longer  than  the  calyx. 

T.  dioicum :  very  smooth;  leaves  decompound;  leaflets  roundish, 
with  obtuse  lobes,  glaucous  beneath  ;  filaments  filiform ;  flowers  dioe- 
cious. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  April,  7J.;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  flowers  panic., 
rose-col.  ;  ~fr.  oral,  striate. 

T.  pubescens :  leaves  decompound  ;  leaflets  ovate,  3-lobed,  minutely 
and  densely  pubescent  beneath ;  margin  revolute  ;  filaments  filiform ; 
flowers  polygamous. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June— July,  01;  stem  4-  -5  feet  high  ;  fl.  M 
large  pan. ;  cal.  decid. 


POLYANDRIA POLYUYNIA.  383 

*  *  Stamens  shorter  than  the  petaloid  calyx. 

T.  antmon aides :  root  tuberous  ;  flowers  urabelled ;  floral  leaves  pell- 
olate,  resembling  an  ivolucrum;  flowers  perfect;  calyx  8 — 10- 
leaved 

HAB.  Woods.  Apr.— May,  *2|.;  stem  6—8  inches  high;  leaflets 
smooth  ;  Jl.  large,  wh. 

254.  GALTHA.     Marsh-marigold. 

C.   p'alustris :  stem  erect ;  leaves  cordate,  suborbicular,  obtusely  cre- 

nate. 
HAB.    Swamps.      April — June,    ^j  a  foot  high,    dichot. ;    leaves 

petiol.  ;  Jl.  large,  yellow. 

255.   COPTIS. 

C.  trifolia  :  leaves  ternate  ;  leaflets  obovate,  obtuse,  dentate,  obscure- 
ly 3-lobed;  scape  1  flowered. 

HAB.  Swamps.  May — June,  7|  ;  leaves  on  long  pet. ;  scape  6  in. 
high;  Jlowerswh. 

256.  HEPATICA.     Liverwort. 

H.  triloba :  leaves  cordate,  3-lobed ;  lobes  entire ;  petioles  and  scape 
hairy. 

a.  obtusa :  lobes  of  the  leaves  rounded,  obtuse. 

b.  acuta  :   lobes  of  the  leaves  acute. 

HAB.  a.  In  woods:  b.  On  mountains.  April — May,  Tj.;  scape  1- 
fi. ;  Jl.  blue. 

257.  RANUNCULUS.     Crowfoot. 

*  Pericarps  transversely  rugose-striate  ;  petals  white. 

R.  aquatilis :  b.  capillaceus :  stem  filiform,  floating ;  leaves  all  im- 
mersed, and  filiformly  dissected  ;  petals  obovate,  longer  than  the 
calyx. 

HAB.  In  brooks,  &c.  July — Aug.  Tj. ;  siem  long ;  leaves  petiol 
— -Jl.  small  ;  cal.  pubes. 

*  *  Pericarps  smooth,  short,  ovate,  collected  into  a  roundish 
head  ;  Jlowers  yellow 

t  Leaves  undivided. 

R.  F^lammula :  leaves  smooth,  linear-lanceolate,  or  subovate,  nearly 
entire,  the  lower  ones  petiolate  ;  stem  more  or  less  decumbent,  root- 
ing ;  peduncles  opposite  to  the  leaves. 


POLYANDRIA POLYGYNIA. 


HAB.  Swamps.     June — July,  'ZJ. ;   stem  12 — 18  in.  high,  suctnii. 

R.    reptans:    b.  filiformis:    leaves   linear-subulate;    stems    filiform, 

creeping,  geniculate  ;  joints  1-flowered. 
HAB.  River  banks.     July— Aug.    ^ ;    stems  6 — 10  in.   long  ;  Jl, 

small — -Jr.  very  smooth. 


t  t  Leaves  divided. 


R.  abortivus :  leaves  smooth  ;  radical  ones  petiolate,  cordate-orbicular, 
crenate  ;  stem  leaves  ternate  and  3-clefl,  with  linear  segments ;  ca- 
lyx smooth,  a  little  longer  than  the  petals. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  April— June,  ^ ;  a  foot  high ;  JL.  small ;  fr. 
ovate,  compress. 

R.  sceleratus :  leaves  smooth ;  radical  ones  petiolate,  3-parted ;  divis^ 
ions  3-Iobed,  obtuse,  subincised ;  superior  3-parted,  with  oblong 
linear  entire  lobes  ;  calyx  pubescent ;  fruit  linear-oblong. 

HAB.  Ditches,  &c.  May— Aug.  7J.  ;  a  foot  high,  much  branch.— 
stem  succul.  ;  Jl.  small. 

R.  multifidus ;  floating  ;  leaves  all  cleft  into  numerous  capillary  seg- 
ments, with  axillary  leaflets  ;  petals  5 — 8,  obovate,  twice  as  long,  as 
the  calyx  ;  nectary  concave. 

HAB.  Stagnant  waters.  May — June,  7J_;  stem  3 — 4  feet  long — -Jl. 
large,  shining. 

R.  acris :  leaves  mostly  pubescent,  3-parted ;  lobes  incisely  toothed, 
acute ;  upper  ones  linear ;  stem  eroct,  many-flowered ;  peduncles 
not  sulcate;  calyx  spreading,  subvillous. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June,  Ij.;  stem  2  feet  high,  pubes. ;  Jlowers 
large;  cal.re.Jlex. — §. 

R.  hispidus :  erect,  branched  ;  stem  and  petioles  with  stiff  spreading 
hairs ;  leaves  ternate ;  leaflets  acutely  lobed ;  pubescence  of  the 
pedicels  appressed  ;  calyx  appressed. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  May,  QJ.J  stem  \\fett  high,  very  hairy— Jl. 
large. 

R.  recurvatus:  erect;  stem  «md  petioles  with  spreading  hairs  ;  leaves 
3-parted,  hairy ;  segments  broad-oval,  subincised ;  the  lateral  ones 
2-lobed ;  calyx  reflexed  ;  petals  lanceolate  ;  pericarps  uncinate. 

HAB.  In  woods.  May — July,  1\. ;  a  foot  high,;  leaves  subpentar\,g. 
— -Jl.  very  small. 

R.  fascicularis  :  erect,  branched  ;  leaves  pubescent,  ternate ;  the  mid- 
dle segment  deeply  3-cleft ;  lateral  ones  remotely  3-lobed  ;  calyx 
spreading,  villous,  shorter  than  the  petals. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  Apr. — May,  1\. ;  rootfascic.  ;  Jl.  large  ;  nect 
Jlaf,  cuneif. 

R.  bulbosus :  hairy  ;  radical  leaves  ternate ;  leaflets  petiolate,  3-clrft, 
incisely  dentate,  stem  erect,  bulbous  at  the  base  ;  calyx  reflexed ;  pe- 
duncles sulcate. 

HAB.  Pastures,  &c.  May— July,  7J.;  stem  12—18  in.  high;  Jl. 
large  ;  plant  acrid. 

R.  marilandicus  :  stem  erect,  somewhat  branched,  soft-hairy  ;  leaves 
smoothish,  ternate  ;  leaflets  3-lobed ;  lobes  oblong,  acute,  incisely- 
dcntate ;  calyx  smooth,  spreading,  shorter  than  the  petals. 

HAB.  Woods.  May — July,  1\. ;  pericarps  compres.,  acum.,  with 
a  straight  style. 


DIDYNAMIA GYMNOSPERMIA.  385 

R.  repens  :  leaves  ternate  ;  leaflets  cuneate,  3-lobed,  incisely  dentate ; 

middle  one  petiolate ;  main  stems  prostrate ;  flowering  ones  erect ; 

peduncles  sulcate ;  calyx  appressed. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows. "  June—  Sept.   1J-;    stem  1—  2  feet  high;  Jl 

middle-sized 

258.  BRASENIA.     Water-target. 

B.  hydropeltis. 

HAB.    Ponds.     July — Aug.    Qj. ;  floating;     leaves   oval,   centrally 

peltate,  very  entire ;  purp.   and  gelat.  beneath ;  Jl.  sol.,  purp.,  on 

long  pedunc. 


DIDYNAMIA. 
GYMNOSPERMIA. 

*  Calyx  mostly  5-cleft,  subre-gular. 


Genera. 


259.  TEUCRIUM.     Upper  lip  of  the  cor.  wanting,  but  a  fissure  in  its 
place,  through  which  the  stamens  are  exserted. 

260.  MENTHA.     Cor.  subregular,  4-lobed  ;  the  broader  segment  emar- 
ginate;  stain,  erect,  distant. 

261.  HYSSOPUS.     Lower  lip  of  the  corolla  3-parted ;  middle  segment 
crenate ;  stamens  straight,  distant. 

26-2.  NEPETA.  Calyx  arid,  striate  tube  of  the  cor.  rather  long,  in- 
termediate segment  of  the  lower  lip  crenate,  margin  of  the  orifice 
reflexed  ;  stamens  approximate. 

263.  LAMIUM.     Upper  lip  of  the  cor.  vaulted,  entire;  lower  lip  2- 
lobed,  toothed  on  each  side. 

264.  GALEOPSIS.     Upper  lip  of  the  cor.  vaulted,  notched;  lower  lip 
3-lobed,  2-toothed  above. 

265.  STACHYS.     Upper  lip  of  the  cor.  vaulted,  lower  lip  3-lobed ;  the 
lateral  lobes  reflexed;  stamens  reflexed  to  the  sides  after  flower- 
ing. 

266.  LEONURUS.     Calyx  5-angled ;  upper  lip  of  the  cor.  entire,  flat, 
erect ;  lower  lip  3-parted ;  middle  segment  entire ;   anthers  sprinkled 
with  shining  dots. 

267.  GLECHOMA.     Upper  lip  of  the  corolla  bifid;   anthers  approach- 
ing each  other  in  pairs,  and  forming  a  cross. 

268    MARRUBIUM.     Calyx  10-ribbed ;  upper  lip  of  the  corolla  linear, 

straight,  cleft. 

>69.  PYCNANTHEMUM.  Heads  surrounded  by  an  involucrum  of 
many  bracts  ;  calyx  tubular,  striate,  upper  lip  of  the  corolla  nearly 
entire;  lower  lip  3-cleft;  stamens  nearly  equal,  distant;  cells  of 
the  anthers  parallel. 


386  D1DYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. 


*  *  Calyx  bilabiate, 

•270.  CLINOPODIUM.     Whorls  surrounded  by  a  setaceous  mvohi- 

crum — upper  lip  of  the  corolla  flat,  emargiriate. 
271.  ORIGANUM.  Flowers  collected  into  a  dense  4-sided  spike ;  up- 

per  lip  of  the  corolla  straight,  flat,  emarginate. 
•272.  PRUNELLA .  Upper  lip  of  the  calyx  dilated ;  filam.  forked,  one 

of  the  points  antheriferous. 

273.  SCUTELLARIA.     Upper  lip  of  the  calyx  covering  the  fruit  like 
an  operculum. 

274.  TRICHOSTEMA.     Calyx  resupinate;  upper  lip  of  the  corolla 
falcate ;  stamens  very  long,  and  incurved. 


ANGIOSPERMIA. 


*  Calyx  5-cleft. 

275.  PHRYM A.     Calyx  cylindric ;  upper  lip  longer,  3-cleft ;   lower  lip 
bidentate ;  upper  lip  of  the  corolla  emarginate ;  lower  much  larger ; 
seed  solitary. 

276.  VERBENA.     Calyx  with  one  of  the  teeth  truncate;  corolla  infun- 
dibuliform ;  limb  5-cleft,   unequal ;  stamens  2 — 4 ;  seeds  2 — 4,  en- 
closed in  a  thin  evanescent  pericarp. 

277.  LIMOSELLA.     Calyx  5-cleft;  corolla  4—  5-lobed,  equal;  stam. 
approximating   by  pairs;    capsule  2-valved,  partly  2-celled,  many- 
seeded. 

278.  SCROPHULARIA.      Corolla    subglobose,   resupinate,   shortly 
bilabiate,  with  an  internal  intermediate  scale ;  capsule  2-celled. 

279.  ANTIRRHINUM.     Calyx  5-parted;  corolla  personate  or  ringent, 
with  a  prominent  or  spurred  nectary  at  the  base ;  capsule  2-celled, 
bursting  at  the  summit,  with  reflected  teeth. 

280.  GERARDIA.     Calyx  half  5-cleft,  or  5-toothed ;  corolla  subcam- 
panulate,   unequally  5-lobed ;    segments   mostly   rounded ;    capsule 
2-celled,  opening  at  the  summit. 

281.  PEDICULARIS.     Calyx  ventricose,  half  5-cleft ;  upper  lip  of  the 
corolla  arched,  laterally  compressed,  emarginate;  capsule  2-celled, 


oblique,  mucronate ;  seeds  angular. 
282.  MIMULUS.     Calyx  prisms 


latic,  5-toothed ;  corolla  ringent ;  upper 

lip  reflexed  at  the  sides ;  palate  of  the  lower  lip  prominent ;   stigma 
thick,  bifid. 

283.  CHELONE.     Calyx  5-parted,  with  3  bracts ;  corolla  ringent,  ven- 
tricose; sterile  filam.  shorter  than  the  rest;  anthers  woolly ;  caps. 
2-celled,  2-valved  ;  seeds  membranaceously  margined. 

284.  EUCHROMA.     Calyx  ventricose,  2— 4-cleft;   corolla  bilabiate; 
upper  lip  very  long  and  linear,  embracing  the  style  and  stamens ; 
anthers  linear,  with  unequal  lobes,  all  cohering  in  the  form  of  an  ob- 
long disk ;  capsule  ovate,  compressed,  2-celled  ;  seeds  numerous,  sur- 
rounded with  a  membranaceous  inflated  vesicle. 

285.  MELAMPYRUM.     Calyx  4-cleft ;  upper  lip  of  the  corolla  com- 
pressed ;  margin  folded  back ;    lower  lip  grooved,  trifid,  subequal ; 


DIDYNAMIA GYMNOSPERMIA,  387 

capsule  2-celled,  oblique,  opening  on  one  side ;  cell    2-seeded ;  seeds 
cartilaginous,  cylindric-oblong,  smooth. 

286.  OROBANCHE.      Calyx  4 — 5-clefl;    segments    often  unequal; 
corolla  ringent ;  capsule  ovate,  acute,  1-celled ;  seeds  numerous ;   a 
gland  beneath  the  base  of  the  germen. 

287.  EPIPHEGUS.     Polygamous;   calyx  abbreviated,  5-toothed;  cor. 
of  the  infertile  flower   ringent,  compressed,  4-cleft ;  lower  lip  flat ; 
corolla,  of  the  fertile  flower  minute,  4-toothed,  deciduous :  capsule 
truncate,   oblique,    1-celled,   imperfectly  2-valved,  opening  only  on 
one  side. 


DIDYNAMIA. 

GYMNOSPERMIA. 
.      259.  TEUCRIUM.     Germander. 

T.  canadense:  hoary-pubescent;    leaves   ovate-lanceolate,   serrate,  all 

petiolate;  stem  erect;  spike  verticillate,  crowded,  long. 
HAB.  Low  grounds.     July  —  Aug.   1}.;  stem    12  —  18  inches  high; 

bracts  longer  than  the  calyx  ;  flower  purple. 
T.  virginicum:  pubescent;  leaves   ovate-oblong,  serrate;    the  upper 

ones  subsessile  ;    stem   erect  ;   spikes  verticillate,   crowded  ;   bracts 

longer  than  the  calyx. 
HAB.   Low  grounds.     June  —  Aug.    7J-. 

260.    MENTHA.     Mint. 

M.  viridis:  spikes  interrupted;  leaves  sessile,  lanceolate,  acute,  na- 

ked ;   bracts  setaceous,  and  with  the  teeth  of  the  calyx  somewhat 

hairy. 
HAB.   Low  grounds.     Aug.  1J.;   a  foot  high;  leaves  smooth  ;  spikes 

long  ;  flowers  purple. 
M.  canadense:  flowers   verticillate;  leaves   lanceolate,  serrate,  petio- 

late, hairy  ;  stamens  as  long  as  the  corolla. 
HAB.    Sandy   soils.     Aug.  —  Sept.   If.;     a  foot  high;  flower  pale 

purple. 
M.  borealis:   ascending,  pubescent;   leaves  petiolate,  oval-lanceolate, 

acute  at  each  end  ;  flowers  verticillate  ;   stamens  exsert. 
HAB.    Low  grounds.     July  —  Sept.  1|.;   stem  2  feet   high,   hairy 

backwards. 


261.  HYSSOPUS.     Hyssop. 

H.  nepetoides  :  spikes  verticillate,  cylindric  ;   leaves  subcordate,  ovate, 
acuminate,  dentate. 
34 


3-S8  DIDYNAMIA GYMNOSPERMIA. 

HAB.  Woods.  July,  1J.;  stem  4 — 6  feet  high,  pubescent;  Jlowera 
yellowish-white,  or  pale  purple. 

262.  NEPETA.     Catnep. 

N.   Cataria  :   flowers  spiked ;  whorls  slightly  pedunculate ;   leaves  pe- 

tiolate,  cordate,  dentate,  serrate. 
HAB.  Fields,   &c.     June— Sept.  Tj. ;  stem  2—3  feet  high ;  flower 

white,  punc. — §. 

263.  LAMIUM.     Dead  nettle. 

L.  ample.ricaule :  floral   leaves  broadly   cordate,  sessile,  amplexicaul, 

crenate.  or  incised ;  lower  ones  petiolate. 
HAB.  Cultivated  grounds.     April — November,    <v) ;    stem  6 — S  in. 

high,  suberect  ;  flowers  red. — §. 

264.  GALEOPSIS.     Hemp  nettle. 

G.  Tetrahit :  stem  hispid,  incrassated  between  the  joints ;  leaves  ovate, 
hispid,  serrate ;  corolla  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx ;  upper  lip  nearly 
straight. 

HAB.  Waste  grounds.  July — Aug.  ©  ;  stem  1  foot  high  ;  Jlower 
verticillate,  purple. — §. 

265.  STACHYS.     Woundwort. 

S.  aspera :  stem  erect,  retrorsely  hairy ;  leaves  subpctiolate,  lanceolate, 
acutely  serrate,  whorls  about  6-flowered;  calyx  teeth  divaricate, 
spiny. 

HAB.  Fields  and  wet  places.  July,  1J. ;  a  foot  high  ;  leaves  pubes- 
cent ;  flowers  purple. 

266.  LEONURUS.    .Motherwort. 

L.   Cardiaca :  inferior  leaves  ovate,  3-lobed ;  uppermost  ones  entire. 
HAB.  Waste  places.     July— Aug.  2J. ;   stem  2—3  feet  high,  bran.  ; 
leaves  spreading  ;  flower  vert.,  red-col. — §. 

267.  GLECHOMA.     Ground-Ivy. 

G.  hederacea :  leaves  reniform,  crenate. 

HAB.  Hedges,  &c.  April— June,  1J.;  root  creeping;  stem  decum- 
bent ;  flower  axillary,  in  threes,  blue. — §. 

268.  MARRUBIUM.     Horehoimd. 

M.  vulgare :  stem  erect ;  leaves  roundish-ovate,  dentate,  rugose ;  calyx 

with  ten  setaceous,  uncinate  teeth. 
HAB.  Road  sides,  &c.     Stem  12 — 18  inches  high,  whitish  pubescent , 

leaves  woolly  beneath. — §. 


DIDYNAMIA GYMNOSPERMIA.  389 

i»9.  PYCNANTHEMUM.     Mountain-mint 

*  Stamens  exserted. 

P.  incanum  :  leaves  oblong-ovate,  shortly  petiolate,  hoary  tomentose  ) 
heads  of  flowers  pedunculate,  compound,  lateral  and  terminal ;  bracta 
setaceous. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  July— Aug.  1{.;  plant  whitish,  soft,  2  feet 
high  ;  Jlower  pale  red. 

P.  aristatum :  leaves  lanceolate-ovate,  subserrate,  on  very  short  peti- 
oles, whitish  ;  heads  sessile ;  bracts  awned. 

HAB  Dry  woods.  Aug.— July,  7J.;  stem  I— 2  feet  high;  upper 
leaves  hoary. 

P.  linifolium:  stem  straight,  much  branched,  somewhat  scabrous; 
leaves  linear,  3-nerved,  very  entire,  smooth ;  heads  terminal,  in  a  fas- 
ciculate corymb. 

HAB.  Dry  swamps.  Aug.  7|.;  stem  12 — 18  inches,  fastig.  branch. 
— -Jlower  minute,  white. 

*  *  Stamens  included. 

P.  lanceolatum :  stem  straight,  branched,  subpubescent ;  leaves  sub- 
sessile,  linear-lanceolate,  entire ;  heads  sessile,  fasciculate-corymbed. 

HAB.  Dry  hills.  Aug.  Tj.;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  leaves  long,  nerved  ; 
Jlower  minute,  white. 

P.  muticum:  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  subdentate,  smoothish;  heads 
terminal ;  bracts  lanceolate,  rather  acute. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  July— Aug.  7|. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  leaves  large, 
Jlower  white. 

270.  CLINOPODIUM.     Wild-basil. 

C.  vulgar e:  leaves  ovate,  subserrate;  whorls  hairy;  pedicels  branch- 
ed ;  bracts  setaceous. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  July,  TJ.;  stem  2  feet  high,  hairy;  leaves 
petiolate  ;  Jlower  purplish. 

271.  ORIGANUM.     Wild  marjoram. 

O.  vulgare :   spikes   roundish,   panicled,   fasciculate,  smooth ;   bracts 

ovate,  longer  than  the  calyx ;    leaves  ovate,  entire. 
HAB.  Fields,  &c.     June — Oct.  Ij. ;   stem  num.,  1  foot  high  ;  Jlower 

rose-colored,  crowded. 

272.  PRUNELLA.     Self-heal, 

P.  vulgaris :  leaves  ovate-oblong,  petiolate ;  upper  lip  of  the  calyx 

truncate,  3-awned  ;   stem  ascending. 
HAB.  Meadows.     May — Aug.  1].;  a  foot  high,  hairy;  Jlowern  in 

large  ovate  spikes,  purple. 


390  D1DYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA. 

273.  SCUTELLARIA.     Skull-cap. 

S.  ga'.sriculata :  somewhat  branched;  leaves  cordate-lanceolate,  sub- 
sessile,  crenate  ;  flowers  axillary,  solitary. 

S.  lateriftora :  much  branched,  smoothish ;  leaves  on  long  petioles, 
ovate,  dentate,  sometimes  cordate,  membranaceous ;  racemes  lateral, 
leafy. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  July — Aug.  1\. ;  stem  1 — 2  feet  high  ;  ra- 
cemes long  ;  Jlower  small,  blue. 

274.  TRICHOSTEMA.  Blue  curls. 

T.  dichotoma :  leaves  rhombic  lanceolate,  attenuate  at  the  base,  pu- 
bescent. 

HAB.  Dry  hills.  July — Sept.  <v) ;  plant  aromatic;  stem  6 — 10 
inches  high,  branch. ;  Jlower  blue. 

T.    linearis :   leaves  linear,  smoothish. 

HAB.    Sandy  fields;  stem  viscidly  pubescent. 

ANGIOSPERMIA. 
275.  PHRYMA. 

P.  leptostachya. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  July— Aug.  7J. ;  stem  2—3  feet  high ;  leaves 
loose,  ovate,  dent.t  petiol. ;  spikes  very  long,  slender  ;  Jlower  pur- 
ple ;  fr.  rejlex. 

276.  VERBENA.     Vervain. 

*  Leaves  laciniate. 

V.  hastata :  erect,  leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate,  incisely  serrate ;  infe- 
rior ones  lobed  or  subhastate ;  spikes  filiform,  erect,  panicled  ;  flow- 
ers tetrandrous. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  July — Aug.  1J.;  stem  3 — 5  feet  high;  leaves 
rough ;  Jlower  purple. 

V.  spuria :  stem  decumbent,  much  branched,  divaricate ;  leaves  many- 
Cleft  ;  spikes  filiform,  loose ;  bracts  longer  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  Aug. — November,  ©,  J*;  stem  1 — 2  feet 
long  ;  leaves  scabrous  ;  Jlower  pink. 

*  *  Leaves  entire. 

V.  urticifolia :  erect,  subpubescent ;  leaves  oval-acute,  serrate,  petio- 
late,  spikes  filiform,  loose,  axillary  and  terminal ;  flowers  tetran- 
drous. 

HAB.  Fields  and  road-sides.  July— Aug.  1J.;  stem  2—  3  feet  high ; 
spike  not  imbric. ;  Jlower  white. 

V.  angust ifolia :  erect,  mostly  simple;  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  at- 
tenuate at  the  base,  remotely  toothed,  with  elevated  veins;  spikes 
filiform,  solitary,  axillary,  and  terminal. 


DIDYNAMIA ANGIOSPERMIA.  391 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.     July,  Tj.;   afoot  high,  hairy;   leaves  rugose, 
Jlower  blue. 

277.  LIMOSELLA. 

L.   subulata :  leaves  linear,  very  narrow,  scarcely  dilated  at  the  apex ; 

scape  1-flowered,  as  long  as  the  leaves. 
HAB.  Muddy    shores.     Aug.    Tj.;    an  inch  high;     eaves  radical; 

flowers  minute,  bl.  white. 

278.  SCROPHULARIA.     Figwort. 

S.  marilandica :  leaves  cordate,  serrate,  acute,  rounded  at  the  base ; 

petioles  ciliate  below ;   panicles  fasciculate,  loose,  few-flowered  ;   stem 

obtusely  angled. 
HAB.  Woods.     July — Oct.  '4;  stem  2 — 4  feet  high,  smooth ;  leaves 

thin;  flowers  greenish-purple. 
S.   lanceolata  :  leaves  lanceolate,  unequally  and  incisely  serrate,  acute 

at  the  base ;  petioles  naked  ;   fascicles  of  the  panicle  corymbed. 
HAB.  Woods.     Aug.  7|  ;   stem  3  feet  high,  smooth  ;  leaves  repand. 

serrate  ;  Jlower  greenish  purple. 

279.  ANTIRRHINUM.     Toad-flax. 

A.   Linaria :    leaves    linear-lanceolate,    crowded ;    spikes    terminal ; 

flowers  imbricate ;    calyx  smooth,  shorter  than  the  spur. 
HAB.  Road-sides,  &c.     June — Nov.  9L;  stem  1 — 2  feet  high ;  leaves 

pale  green  ;  flowers  yellow. — §. 
A.  canadense:   assurgent,   smooth,   mostly   simple;   leaves   scattered, 

erect,  linear,  obtuse ;  flowers  racemose ;  scions  procumbent. 
HAB.    Wet  or  dry  soils.     July — Nov.  <g) ;    a  foot  high,  very  slend.  ? 

fl.  very  sm.,  blue. 

280.  GERARDIA. 

*  Flowers  purple. 

G.  purpurea  :  stem  angular,  much  branched ;  leaves  scabrous-linear, 
long  and  acute;  flowers  subsessile;  segments  of  the  calyx  subu- 
late. 

HAB.  Sandy  soils  and  swamps.  August — Oct.  <v) ;  stem  I — 2  feet 
high,  slend.  ;  fl.  large,  axill. 

G.  maritima :  stem  angular ;  leaves  linear,  fleshy,  short,  rather  obtuse ; 
flowers  pedunculate ;  upper  segments  of  the  corolla  ciliate ;  calyx 
truncate,  with  minute  teeth. 

HAB.  Salt  marshes.  July — Sept.  <v)  ;  stem  6 — 12  in.  high  ;  fl. 
middle-sized. 

G.  t'enuifolia :  much  branched ;  leaves  linear,  acute,  scabrous ;  pedun- 
cles axillary,  longer  than  the  flowers  ;  teeth  of  the  calyx  acute. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  Aug. — Sept.  <5) ;  stem  6 — 10  in.  high  ; 
fl.  spread,  smooth. 

Gr.  auriculata :  subsimple,  scabrous ;  leaves  ovate,  lanceolate,  auricu- 
late  at  the  base,  very  entire,  sessile ;  flowers  sessile,  axillary 


392  DIDYNAM1A ANGIOSPERMIA. 

HAB.  Fields  and  mountains.  Aug.  <v) ;  stem  8—12  in.  high  /  Jl. 
middle-sized. 

1.  LA. 

*  *  Flowers  yellow 

G.  Jlava  :  pubescent ;  stem  nearly  simple ;  leaves  subsessile,  lanceo- 
late, very  entire  or  dentate ;  the  inferior  ones  incised ;  flowers  sub- 
sessile. 

HAB.  Woods.  August— September,  Tj. ;  stem  2—3  feet  high  ;  Jl. 
large. 

G.  glauca :  smooth ;  stem  paniculate ;  leaves  petiolate,  pinnatifid ; 
upper  ones  lanceolate ;  flowers  pedicellate. 

HAB.  Woods.  August.— Sept.  Stem  3— 5  feet  high,  glauc.  ;  leaves 
pale  beneath. 

G.  pedicularia :  stem  paniculate,  pubescent  ;  leaves  smoothish,  ob- 
long, pinnatifid  ;  segments  uncinate,  serrate :  flowers  axillary,  pedi- 
cellate ;  segments  of  the  calyx  leafy,  incisely  dentate. 

HAB.  Woods  and  mountains.  July — Aug.  7j_;  stem  2  feet  high, 
much  branch. 


281.  PEDICULARIS.     Lousewort. 


P.  canadensis :  stem  simple  ;   leaves  pinnatifid,  incisely  toothed ;  spike 

leafy  at  the  base,  hairy;    galea  of  the  corolla  with  two  setaceous 

teeth ;   calyx  truncate  downward. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows.     May— July,    1J.;  stem  8—12  in.  high;  Jl. 

yel.  and  purp. 
P.   gladiata :   stem  simple ;   leaves    lanceolate,    pinnatifid,    dentate ; 

spikes  leafy,  hairy,  with  the  flowers  alternate ;  capsule  terminating  in 

a  long  flat  point. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows.     May — June,  Ij. ;  Jlowers  yel.  and  purp. 

282.   MIMULUS.     Monkey-flower. 

M.  ringens  :  erect,  smooth ;  leaves  sessile,  lanceolate,  acuminate  ;  pe- 
duncles axillary,  longer  than  the  flower. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  Aug.  1J-;  stem  2  feet  high,  ang. ;  Jl.  large, 
pale  purp. 

M.  alatus  :  erect,  smooth ;  leaves  petiolate,  ovate,  acuminate,  serrate ; 
peduncles  axillary,  shorter  than  the  flowers ;  stem  quadrangular, 
winged. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  Aug.  1\. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  teeth  of  the  cal. 
obi.  acum. 

283.  CHELONE.     Snake-head. 

C.  glabra :    smooth ;   leaves    opposite,   lanceolate-oblong,  acuminate, 

serrate  ;   flowers  in  dense  spikes. 
HAB.  Wet  places.     Aug.— Oct.   7J. ;   stem  2  feet  high,  simp. ;  Jl. 

large,  wh.  or  rose-col. 


TETRADYNAMIA SILICULOSA.  393 

984.  EUCHROMA.     Painted-cup. 

&  wccinea :  leaves  and  colored  bracts  pinnatifidly  3-cleft;  segment* 
Jwaricatc ;  calyx  2-clefl,  nearly  equal  with  the  corolla;  segments 
retase  and  emarginate. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May — June,  % ;  stem  8 — 12  inches  high  ; 
bracts  scarl.  ;  cor.  yellow. 

285.  MELAMPYRUM.     Cow-wheat. 


M.  lincare :  leaves  linear-lanceolate ;  the  floral  ones  with  setaceous 

teeth  at  the  base ;  flowers  axillary. 
HAB.     Woods.     June— July,  <v) ;  stem  8—10  in.  high,  bran. ;  Jl.- 

leaves  oval-Ian. 

286.  OROBANCHE.     Broom-rape. 

O.  americana :  stem  very  simple ;  imbricate  with  oval-lanceolate 
scales ;  spike  terminal,  smooth ;  corolla  recurved,  with  the  stamens 
exserted. 

HAB.  Woods.  July,  7J. ;  stem  4—6  in.  high,  very  thick,  br.-yelL, 
leafless,  scaly ;  fl.  brad. 

O.  unijlora:  stem  very  short;  peduncles  2,  elongated,  scapiform,  1- 
flowcred,  naked;  scales  smooth,  concave;  lobes  of  the  corolla  ob- 
long-oval, with  a  pubescent  colored  margin. 

HAB.  Woods.  May — July,  1|_;  pedunc.  4—6  in.  long,  subpubes. ; 
fl.  recurv.,  bl.-wh. 

287.  EPIPHAGUS.     Beech-drops. 

E.  virginiana. 

HAB.  Beech  woods.  Sept.  '2J. ;  leafless,  branched,  smooth ;  8 — 12 
in.  high  ;  Jl.  distant ;  abort,  ones  larger,  purplish. 


TETRADYNAMIA. 
SILICULOSA. 


Genera. 


288.  THLASPI.     Silicle  compressed,  emarginate,  many-seeded;  valves 
carinate,  (often  winged  ;)  filam.  without  teeth,  distinct ;  cal.  equal  at 
the  base. 

289.  DRAB  A.     Silicle  entire,  oval  or  oblong ;  valves  flat  or  convex , 


394  TETRADYNAMIA SILICULOSA. 

cells  many-seeded ;  seeds  not  margined ;  cotyleaons  accumbent  \*Jilam. 
without  teeth. 

290    LEPIDIUM.     Silicle  ovate  or  subcordate;  \alvescarinate,  dehis- 
«*nt ;  cells  1-seeded ;  cotyledons  incumbent. 


SILIQUOSA. 


291.  DENT  ARIA.      Silique  lanceolate;  valves  flat,  nerveless,   often 
opening  elastically ;  receptacles  not  winged ;  funiculus  dilated ;  seeds 
in  a  single  series,  ovate,  emarginate ;  cotyledons  accumbent. 

292.  CARDAMINE.      Silique  linear,   with  the    margins    truncate; 
valves  flat,  nerveless,  often   opening  elastically,  narrower  than   the 
dissepiment ;  seed  not  margined,  with  a  slender  funiculus. 

293.  ARABIS.     Silique  linear ;  valves  flat,  1-nerved;  seeds  in  a  single 
row ;  cotyledons  accumbent ;  cal.  erect. 

294.  BARB  AREA.     Silique  4-edged;  cotyledons  accumbent ;  seeds  in  a 
single  row ;  cal.  equal  at  the  base,  erect ;   shorter  filaments  with  in- 
termediate glands. 

295.  NASTURTIUM.     Silique  subterete,  often  short ;  valves  concave, 
nerveless,  not  carinate;  cal.   equal,   spreading;   cotyledons  accum- 
bent. 

296.  SISYMBRIUM.     Silique  subterete ;  cotyledons  incumbent,  some- 
times oblique,  flat ;  cal.  mostly  spreading,  equal  at  the  base. 

297.  SINAPIS.     Silique  subterete,  2-valved  ;  (sometimes  of  2  articula- 
tions, of  which  the  upper  one  is  nerveless  ;)  cotyledons  conduplicate ; 
seeds  globose,  in  a  row  ;  cal.  spreading. 

298.  POLANISIA.     Cal.  4-leaved,  spreading ;  pet.  4,  unequal ;  stam.  8 
— 32 ;   silique  sessile  in  the  calyx. 


TETRADYNAMIA. 

SILICULOSA. 
Species.      288.  THLASPI.     Penny-cress. 

T.  arvense :  leaves  oblong-sagittate,  coarsely  toothed,  smooth ;  silicic 
suborbicular,  longer  than  the  pedicel ;  its  wings  dilated  longitudin- 
ally. 

HAB.  Fields.  June,  <v)  ;  stem  erect,  8 — 12  in.  high,  leav.  smooth  ; 
fl.  wh. 

T.  bursa-pastoris :  silicic  triangular-obcordate,  without  wings ;  cells 
many-seeded ;  radical  leaves  pinnatifid. 

*  The  cotyledons  are  accumbent  when  the  back  of  one  of  them  is  applied  to  the 
:urved  radicle ;  incumbent  when  the  edges  of  the  cotyledons  are  applied  to  it. 


TETRADYNAMIA SIL1QUOSA.  395 

HAB.  Pastures,  &c.  March— Oct.  ®;  'item  6—12  in.  high;  JL. 
small,  corymb,  wh, — §. 

289.  DRABA.     Whitlow-grass. 

D.  arabisans :  stem  leafy,  somewhat  branched,  subpubescent ;  leaves 
lanceolate,  acutely  dentate ;  silicic  linear,  smooth,  longer  than  the 
pedicel. 

ELAB.     Rocks,  $ ;  silicle  elongated,  acuminate,  contorted. 

290.  LEPIDIUM.     Pepper-wort. 

L.  virginicum :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  incisely  serrate,  smooth ; 
flowers  with  2 — 4  stamens ;  silicle  orbicular,  emarginate ;  stem  branch- 
ed above. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  June — Oct.  <v> ;  a  foot  high,  panic,  above ;  Jl. 
minute,  wh. 


SILiaUOSA. 


291.  DENT  ARIA.     Tooth-wort. 

D.  diphylla :  stem  2-leaved ;  leaflets  ternate,  subovate,  unequally  and 

incisely  dentate ;  root  dentate. 
HAB.     Woods.     May,  1\. ;  stem  6—8  in.  high  ;  leafl.  large,  flowers 

yellowish. 

y*          292.  CARDAMINE.     Lady's  smock. 

C.  pennsylvanica  :  smooth,  branched ;  leaves  pinnate,  often  sublyrate ; 
leaflets  roundish-oblong-obtuse,  angularly  toothed ;  stem  erect ;  pe- 
tals oblong-linear. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  May— July,  Tj.;  stem  8— 12  in.  high;  term, 
leafl  large  ;  si.l.  erect. 

b.  gracilis :  stem  slender,  weak ;  leaves  with  few  and  narrow  seg- 
ments. 

HAB.  Wet  woods.  July,  1\. ;  stem  subdecumb.  4 — 6  in.  long  ;  ft. 
minute,  wh. 

293.  ARABIS.    Wall-cress. 

A.  sagitta:  leaves  subdentate,  rough,  with  the  pubescence  often 
branched ;  radical  ones  ovate  or  oblong,  attenuated  into  a  petiole ; 
of  the  stem  lanceolate,  sagittate-cordate ;  pedicels  as  long  as  the  ca- 
lyx ;  siliques  straight  and  erect. 

HAB.  Hills.  June,  <v)  J* ;  stem  1J  ft.  high,  simp.,  straight ;  Jl. 
small,  wh. 

A.  tka&anw, ;  leaves  hairy,  mibdentate;  radical  ones  oblong,  petiolate ; 


396  TETRADYNAMIA— SILIQUOSA. 

stem  branched,  hairy  at  the  base,  siliques  ascending ;  pedicels  much 

longer  than  the  calyx. 
HAB.   Dry  hills.     April — May,  <v) ;   stem  2 — 4   inches  high,  e^ect ; 

siliq.  slender. 
A.  lyrata:   stem  and   upper  leaves  smooth    and  glaucous;   radical 

leaves  lyrate-pinnatifid,  often  pilose ;   stem  branched  at  the  base  ; 

pedicels  spreading  ;   silique  erect. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills.     April— July,  J1;  stem  8—12  in.  high;  c-aul. 

leaves  I  in, ;  Jl.  Large. 
A.   Icevigaia:  stem  leaves  linear,  oblong,  sagittate,  s='nooth;  the  lower 

ones  subdentate ;  radical  ones  obovate ;  pedicels  erect ;    siliques  very 

narrow  and  long,  at  length  pendulous. 
HAB.     Rocky  hills.     May,    1\. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  sit.  2$  in.  long  ; 

root  nerved. 

A.  canadensis  :  stem  leaves  sessile,  oblong-lanceolate,  narrow   at  the 
base,  pubescent,  pedicels  pubescent,  reflexed  in  the  fruit ;  siliques 
pendulous,  sub  falcate,  nerved. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  June  7J. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  ped.  3  times  as  long 
as  the  cat. 

294.  BARBAREA.     Winter-cress. 

B.  vulgar  is :   lower  leaves  lyrate  ;  terminal  lobe  roundish  ;  upper  ones 
obovate,  dentate. 

HAB.  Old  fields.  June,  7J.;  stem  1—2  feet  high,  smooth;  leaves 
very  sm. ;  Jl.  yell. 

295.  NASTURTIUM.     Nasturtium. 

N.  offlcinale  :  leaves  pinnate ;  leaflets  ovate,  subcordate,  repand. 
HAB.    In  water.     June — July,   %.\   stems  decumb. ;  term,   leaflets 

large ;  fl.  wh. 
N.  amphibium:  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  pinnatifid  or  serrate;   root 

fibrous ;  petals  longer  than  the  calyx ;  siliques  elliptical. 
HAB.   Wet  places.     June— July,  fa  stem   1—2  feet  high;  Jlowei 

yell. ;  sil.  subrcjlex. 

296    SISYMBRIUM.     Hedge-mustard. 

S.  officinale :  leaves  runcinate,  and  with  the  stem,  hairy ;  siliques  sub- 
ulate, appressed. 

HAB.  Fields.  June— Oct.  <v) ;  stem  1—2  feet  high,  branch. ;  Jl. 
minute,  yell. 

S.  sophia:  leaves  bipinnate ;  segments  oblong-linear,  incised;  petals 
shorter  than  the  calyx ;  calyx  twice  as  short  as  the  pedicel. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  July,  ©  ;  stem  8—12  in.  high;  leaves  sm.  or 
pubes. ;  Jl.  yell. 

297.  SINAPIS.     Mustard. 

8.  nigra  :  siliques  smooth  and  even,  subquadrangular,  appressed  ,  in- 
ferior leaves  lyrate;  upper  ones  lanceolate,  entire,  petiolate. 


MONADELPHIA DECANDRIA.  397 

HAB.  Waste  grounds.  June — July,  &  ;  stem  2—4.  feet  high ;  up- 
per leaves  deflex.  ;  Jl.  yell. 

298.  POLANISIA. 

P.  graveolens  :  viscidly  pubescent,  leaves  ternate ;  leaflets  elliptical  - 
oblong ;  stamens  8 — 12 ;  siliques  oblong,  attenuate  at  the  base,  mu- 
ricate  with  a  glandular  pubescence. 

HAB.  Sandy  shores.  June,  7).;  stem  I  ft.  high;  ft.  racem.,  red.- 
wh.  ;  plant  fetid. 


MONADELPHIA. 
DECANDRIA. 


Genera. 


299.  GERANIUM.     Calyx  5-leaved,  equal;  pet.  5,  equal;  stam.  10 ;  5 
alternate  ones  longer,  with  nectariferous  glands  at  the  base.     Peri- 
carps 5,  with  long  awns,  united  to  elongated  receptacles,  at  length 
separating  elastically  from  the  summit  to  the  base ;  awns  smooth  in- 
ternally. 

POLYANDRIA. 

300.  SIDA.     Calyx  5 -cleft,  simple,  often  angular;  style  many-cleft  at 
the  summit;  capsules  numerous,  arranged  circularly,  1-celled,  1 — 3- 
seeded. 

301.  ALTHAEA.     Calyx  double ;  the  exterior  6— 9-cleft ;  caps,  numei  - 
ous,  1-seeded,  arranged  circularly. 

302.  M ALVA.     Calyx  double ;  the  exterior  mostly  3-leaved ;  capsules 
numerous,  1-celled,  1-seeded,  arranged  circularly. 

303.  HIBISCUS.     Calyx  double;    the  exterior  many-leaved ;  stig.  5 ; 
caps.  5-celled  ;  cells  many-seeded. 


MONADELPHIA. 
DECANDRIA. 

specie*.  299.  GERANIUM. 

G.    maculatum ;    stem  angular,  erect,  retrorsely  pubescent,  dichoto- 


398  MONADELPHIA POLYANDRIA. 

mous ;  leaves  3 — 5-parted,   incised  ;  radical  ones  on  long  petioles ; 

upper  ones  opposite,  sessile ;  petals  entire ;  filaments  scarcely  ciliate 

at  the  base. 
HAB.  Woods.     May — June,  1J. ;  stem  I — 2  ft.  high  ;  leaves  hairy ; 

Jl.  large,  purp. 
G.  robertianum :   leaves  3 — 5-parted ;    segments  pinnatifidly   3-cleft  ; 

petals  entire,  much  longer  than  the  angular  awned  calyx ;  pericarps 

small,  reticulate,  rugose ;  seeds  smooth. 
HAB.  Rocky  places.     May — Sept.  ©;  stem  long,  red;  Jl.  small, 

pale  purp. 

POLYANDRIA. 
300.  SID  A.     Indian  Mallow. 


S.  abutilon :  leaves  roundish-cordate,  acuminate,  dentate,  tomentose ; 

peduncles  shorter  than  the  petioles ;  capsules  15,  truncate,  birostrate, 

hairy. 
HAB.  Waste   places.     July— Aug.  ©  ;  stem  2—6  ft.  high ;  leave* 

large;  Jl.  orange. — §. 

301.  ALTHAEA.     Marsh  Mallow. 


A.  qflicinalis :  leaves  soft-tomentose,  cordate  and  ovate,  dentate,  en- 
tire or  somewhat  3-lobed  ;  peduncles  axillary,  many-flowered,  much 
shorter  than  the  leaves. 

HAB.  Borders  of  salt  marshes.  Aug.— Sept.  1J-;  stem  2  feet  high; 
Jl.  large,  purp. — §. 

302.  MALVA.     Mallow. 

M.  rotundifolia :  stem  somewhat  prostrate ;  leaves  roundish,  cordate, 
obtusely  5-lobed ;  fructiferous  pedicels  bent  downwards,  as  well  at 
the  petiole  pubescent ;  corolla  twice  the  length  of  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Waste  places.  June—  Oct.  TJ. ;  root  fusif.  ;  pedunc.  axilL, 
Jl.  small,  pink. 

303.  HIBISCUS.     Rose  of  Sharon. 

H.  palustris :  leaves  ovate,  dentate,  somewhat  3-lobed,  whitish-tomen- 
tose  beneath,  pedicels  axillary,  distinct  from  the  petioles,  articulate 
above  the  middle. 

HAB.  Borders  of  salt  marshes.  August,  1J.;  Jlowers  large,  enr 
tirely  red. 


DIADELPHIA DECANDRIA  399 

DTADELPHIA. 
HEXANDRIA. 


Genera. 


301.  CORYDALIS.     Cal.  2-leaved ;  cor.  4-petaled;  Jilam.  in  3  set*; 

silique  2-valved,  compressed,  oblong,  many-seeded. 
305.  FUMARIA.     Calyx  2-leaved  ;  corolla  4-petaled,  one  of  the  petals 

gibbous  at  the  base ;  silicle  ovate  or  globose.  1-seeded,  not  opening. 

OCTANDRIA. 


606.  POLYGALA.  Cal.  5-leaved,  persistent;  2  of  the  leaflets  wing- 
shaped  and  colored ;  caps,  obcordate,  2-celled,  2-valved ;  seeds  pu- 
bescent. 


DECANDRIA. 

*  Stamens  all  connected,  (monadelphous.) 

307.  LUPINUS.     Cal.  bilabiate ;  anth.  alternately  oblong  and  round- 
ish ;  legume  coriaceous,  torulose. 

308.  CROTALARIA.     Vexillum  large  and  cordate;  keel  acuminate; 
Jilam.  united,  with  a  dorsal  fissure  ;  legume  pedicellate,  turgid. 

*  *  Stamens  diadelphous. 
t  Stigma  pubescent. 

309.  PISUM.     Cal.  with  the  segments  leafy,  equal ;  vexillum  with  2 
protruding  plaits;  style   compressed,  carinate,  villous  on  the  upper 
side  ;  suture  of  the  legume  naked. 

3«0.  LATHYRUS.     Style  flat,  villous  on  the  upper  side,  dilated  up- 
ward ;  col.  with  the  2  upper  segments  shortest. 

31 1.  VICIA.     Style  transversely  bearded  beneath  the  stigma ;  cal.  with 
the  three  inferior  segments  straight  and  longer;  vexillum  emargi- 
nate. 

1 1  Legume  mostly  1-sceded.     (Not  of  the  preceding  sections.) 

312.  MELILOTUS.     Flowers  racemose.     Calyx  tubular,  5-toothed; 
keel  simple,  shorter  than  the  wings  and  vexillum ;   legume  longer 
than  the  calyx,  rugose. 

313.  TRIFOLIUM.      Flowers   subcapitate      legume  covered  by  the 
calyx,  without  valves,  2 — 4-secded. 

35 


400  DIADELPHIA HEXANDR1A. 

314.  STYLOSANTHES.     Calyx  tubular,  very  long,  bearing  the  co- 
rolla; germen  beneath  the  corolla;  lament  1 — 2-jomted,  hooked. 

315.  LESPEDEZA.       CaL   5-parted  ;    segments    neaily   equal;    keel 
transversely  obtuse ;  lament  lenticular,  unarmed,  1 -seeded. 

1 1 1  Legume  mostly  articulate.     (Not  of  the  preceding  sections.) 

316.  HEDYSARUM.     CaL    5-cleft;    feed    transversely    obtuse;    lo 
ment  of  several  1-seeded  joints ;   joints  truncate,  compressed,  mostly 
hispid. 

t  t  1 1  Legume  l-celled,  many-seeded.     (Not  of  the  preceding 
sections.) 

317.  PHASEOLUS.     Keel,  with  the  stamens  and  styles  spirally  twist- 
ed; legume  compressed,  falcate;  seeds  compressed,  renitbrm. 

318.  APIOS.     CaL  subbilabiate,  truncate,   1-toothed;   keel  falcate,  re- 
flexing  the  apex  of  the  vexillum  ;  germen  sheathed  at  the  base ;  le- 
gume coriaceous,  many-seeded. 

319.  AMPHICARPA.     CaL  4-toothed;  pet.  oblong;   vexillum  with 
the  sides  appressed;    stig.  capitate;    legume  compressed,  stipitate, 
2— 4-seeded. 

320.  GALACTIA.     CaL  4-toothed,  with  2  bracts  at  the  base;  pet.  all 
oblong;  vexillum  broad,   incumbent;  anth.   oblong;    stig.  obtuse; 
germen  on  a  naked  stipe;  legume  terete,  many-seeded. 

321.  TEPHROSIA.     Teeth  of  the  calyx  subulate,  nearly  equal;  stam. 
monadelphous ;  legume  compressed,  coriaceous. 

322.  MEDIC  AGO.     Keel  of  the  cor.  deflexed  from  the  vet  ilium  ;  le- 
gume compressed,  spiral. 


DIADELPHIA. 

HEXANDRIA. 
304.  CORYDALIS. 

Species.  *  CoroWa  with,  1  spur  at  the  base. 

C.  glauca:  stem  erect,  branched ;  leaves  glaucous,  decompound;  seg- 
ments cuneate,  3-cleft ;  bracts  linear,  snorter  than  the  pedicels  :  si- 
liques  linear. 

HAB.  Rocks.  May — Aug.  ©  $  ;  stem  8 — 18  in.  high;  root 
fusif.  ;  Jl.  red  and  yell. 


DIADELPHIA OCTANDRIA.  401 

*  *  Corolla  with  5  spurs  at  the  base. 

C.  cucullaria :  spurs  straight,  divaricate,  acute ;   scape  naked  ;  raceme 

simple. 
HAB.  Shady  rocks.     Apr.— May,  7J. ;  root  bulb.:  leaves  2,  decomp. : 

fl.  large,  wh. 
C.  formosa  :  spurs  slightly  curved,  obtuse ;   raceme  naked,  somewhat 

compound ;   stigma  2-angled. 
HAB.  Shady  rocks.     May,  7J. ;   root  bulb. ;  scape  and  pedunc.  red  • 

Jl.  large,  rose-col. 

*  *  *  Petals  united,  spongy. 

C.  funsrosa  :  stem  climbing ;  leaves  furnished  with  tendriSs ;  racemes 
axillary,  corymbose,  nodding  ;  corolla  bigibbous  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  July— Aug.  $  ;  stem  long  ;  leaves  decomp.  ;  Jl. 
num.,  Jlesfi-col. 

305.  FUMARIA.     Fumitory. 

F.  offiicinalis :  silicles  globose-retuse :  fructiferous  pedicels  erect, 
twice  as  long  as  the  bract ;  racemes  rather  loose ;  stems  erect ;  leaves 
decompound,  with  linear  lobes. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.     July — Aug.  <v).     Fl.purp. 

OCTANDRIA. 
306.  POLYGALA.     Milk-wort. 


P.  paucifolia  :  stem  simple,  erect,  naked  below ;  leaves  ovate ;  termi- 
nal flowers  large,  cristate ;  radical  flowers  apterous. 

HAB.  Woods  and  swamps.  May — June,  n^]  stem  3 — 4  in.  high; 
leaves  acute  ;  Jl.  3 — 4,  purp. 

P.  polygama  :  stems  numerous ;  leaves  linear-oblong ;  attenuate  down- 
wards; racemes  terminal  and  lateral,  elongated;  flowers  sessile; 
radical  racemes  procumbent,  with  apterous  flowers. 

HAB.  Fields.  June — July,  1J-;  stems  4 — 8  in.  high,  angular;  Jl. 
purp. 

P.  sanguinea  :  stem  fastigiately  branched ;  leaves  alternate,  narrow- 
linear  ;  spikes  oblong  ;  flowers  beardless ;  calycine  wings  obovate, 
as  long  as  the  capsule. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  July — Oct.  (& ;  stem  8 — 12  inches  high ; 
Jlower  loose,  dark  rose-color. 

P.  verticillata :  leaves  verticillate,  linear,  whorls  remote ;  racemes 
spiked,  acute,  pedunculate ;  flowers  cristate  ;  calycine  wings  round- 
ish ;  stem  erect,  branched. 

HAB.  Dry  hills.     July — Oct.  <£> ;  stem,  very  slender,  quadrangular 
fl&wer  ssnail,  greenish-white. 


403  DIADELPHIA DECANlfalA. 

DECANDRIA. 
307.  LUPINUS.     Lupine. 

JL.  perennis :  perennial ;  root  creeping  ;  stem  and  leaves  srnoothish  , 
leaves  digitate  ;  leaflets  8 — 9,  obcuneate,  lanceolate,  obtuse  ;  flowers 
alternate ;  calyx  without  appendages ;  upper  lip  emarginate ;  the 
lower  entire. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods  and  hills.  May — June;  stem  ascending,  12  in. 
high  ;  leaves  digitate  ;  Jlower  blue. 

308.  CROTALARIA.     Rattle-box. 

C.  sagittalls:  hairy,  erect,  branching;  leaves  simple,  ovate-lanceo- 
late ;  stipules  lanceolate,  acuminate,  decurrent ;  racemes  opposite  the 
leaves,  about  3-flowered  ;  corolla  smaller  than  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields  and  woods.  July — Aug.  1$  ;  stem  12  inches 
high ;  Jlower  yellow  ;  legum.  infla.,  black. 

309.  PISUM.     Pea. 

P.  maritimum :  stem  quadrangular,  compressed  ;  petioles  flat  above , 
stipules  sagittate ;  leaflets  numerous,  subalternate,  obovate  ;  pedun- 
cles longer  than  the 'leaves,  many-flowered. 

HAB.  Sandy  shores.  May— July,  1\.\  plant  pale  green;  stei* 
decumbent  ;  Jlower  blue  ;  leg.  hairy. 

310.  LATHYRUS.     Vetchling. 

L.  palustris :  stem  quadrangular,  winged ;  stipules  semisagittate, 
large,  ovate,  mucronate ;  leaflets  in  three  pairs,  oblong-ovate,  mucro- 
nate  ;  peduncles  4 — 6-flowered,  rather  longer  than  the  leaves. 

HAB.  Wet  thickets.  •  June — July,  1\. ;  stem  weak  ;  leaves  broad,  or 
narrow-ovate  ;  Jlower  purple. 

311.  VICIA.     Vetch. 

V.  saliva:  flowers  mostly  by  pairs,  sessile;  legumes  erect;  lower 
leaves  retuse  ;  stipules  toothed,  or  laciniate,  with  a  dark  spot  be- 
neath. 

HAB.  Rocky  shores.  June,©;  stem  1— 2  feet  long;  leaves  pu- 
bescent or  smooth  ;  Jlower  small,  blue. 

312.  MELILOTUS.     Melilot. 

M.  officinalis:  legumes  naked,  2-seeded,  rugose;  leaflets  ovate-oblong, 

dentate ;   stem  erect. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.     Aug.   ©  cf  J   stem  2—3  feet  high ;  Jlower 
in  Idng  racemes.     Plant  odor.— §. 


DTADELPHIA DECANDRIA.  403 


313.  TRIFOLIUM.     Clover. 

*  Legumes  3 — 8-seeded. 

T.  repens  :  heads  umbellate ;  legumes  4-seeded,  covered  by  the  persis- 
tent corolla ;  stern  creeping. 

HAB.  Meadows,  &c.  May — Oct.  ^  ;  stem  56^-12  inches  long  ; 
pet.  very  long  ;  flower  white. 

*  *  Legume  l-seeded. 
t  Vexillum  deciduous  ;  (Flowers  not  yellow.') 

T.  pratense :  heads  dense,  ovate ;   lower  tooth  of  the  calyx  shorter 

than  the  tube  of  the  monopetalous  corolla ;  leaflets  oval,  entire  ;  stem 

ascending. 
HAB.  Meadows,  &c.     May— Oct.  QJ.;  stem  1 — 2  feet  high;  flower 

red,  frag.—  %. 
T.   arvense :   heads  very  hairy,  oblong-cylindrical ;  teeth  of  the  calyx 

setaceous,   longer  than   the  corolla;    leaflets  villous,    narrow-obo- 

vate. 
HAB.  Dry  fields.     June — September,   ©  ;  stem  6 — 12  inches  high; 

flowers  minute,  white  or  pink. 

314.  STYLOSANTHES. 

S.  elatior:  stem  erect,  pubescent  on  one  side;  leaflets  lanceolate, 
smooth,  acute ;  bracts  lanceolate,  ciliate,  3 — 4-flowered ;  loment  in- 
durated, l-seeded. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.  July— Aug.  Ij. ;  stem  12  inches  high,  branch. 
-bracts  hisp.  ;  flowers  yellow. 

315.  LESPEDEZA      Bush-clover. 

L.  fnitescens  :  stem  erect ;  leaflets  elliptical,  obtuse,  silky-pubescent ; 
flowers  in  subcapitate  fascicles,  shorter  than  the  leaves,  conglomer- 
ate towards  the  summit  of  the  stem  ;  loments  hairy,  shorter  than  the 
villous  calyx. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  Sept.  Oj.;  stem  2—3  feet  high,  hairy;  petiol, 
short ;  cor.  white  and  red. 

L.  hirta :  erect,  branched,  very  villous;  leaflets  roundish;  racemeti 
capitate,  axillary,  on  peduncles  longer  than  the  leaves ;  corolla  and 
loments  as  long  as  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  Aug. — Sept.  rZ|_;  stem  2 — 4  feet  high;  racemes 
ovate,  dense  ;  flower  reddish-white. 

Li.  sessiliflora  :  erect,  somewhat  branched ;  leaflets  oblong-oval,  ob- 
tuse ;  fascicles  of  flowers  subsessile ;  axillary  ones  partly  racemose ; 
loment  naked,  acute. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  Aug.— Sept.  7J.;  stem  2  feet  high,  slender; 
pet.  long  ;  flower  violet. 

L.  reticulata  :  stem  erect,  simple  or  branched,  nearly  smooth  ;  leaflets 
35* 


404  D1ADELPHIA DECANDRIA. 

oblong-hnear,  hairy  beneath  ;  fascicles  of  flowers  subsessile,  numer- 
ous ;  axillary  ones  sub-racemose ;  loment  ovate,  reticulate,  acute. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  Aug.  7J. ;  stem  2  feet  high,  sleider  ;  leaves  2- 
lin.  broad  ;  Jlower  violet. 

L.  violacea  :  diffuse,  much  branched ;  leaves  on  long  petioles  ;  leaflets 
oval-elliptic,  obtuse,  substrigose  beneath ;  racemes  setaceous,  lunger 
than  the  petioles,  sub- umbellate ;  flowers  by  pairs,  distinctly  pedi- 
cellate ;  loments  rhomboidal,  reticulate,  and  smooth. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  Aug.  7|_ ;  stems  long,  slender,  nearly  pro^umb. ; 
Jlower  violet. 

L.  procumbens :  slender,  procumbent,  every  where  pubescent ;  leaflets 
oval ;  peduncles  very  long,  setaceous ;  racemes  short ;  loments  sub- 
orbicular;  pubescent. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields  and  woods.  Aug.— Sep.  1\.-t  stem  2—  3  feet 
long  ;  Jlower  purple. 

316.  HEDYSARUM. 

H.  canadense  :  leaves  ternate,  oblong-lanceolate  ;  stipules  filiform,  flow- 
ers racemed ;  joints  of  the  loment  obtusely  triangular,  hispid. 

HAB.  Woods.  July,  ^  ;  stem  3  feet  high  ;  leaves  3  inches  long  ; 
Jlower  purple  ;  bract,  long. 

H.  viridijlorum:  stem  erect,  branched,  scabrous;  leaves  ternate,  ovate, 
obtuse,  scabrous  above,  villous  and  very  soft  beneath ;  panicle  ter- 
minal, very  long,  naked  ;  joints  of  the  loment  triangular. 

HAB.  Woods.  Aug.  7|. ;  stem  3  feet  high,  pubes. ;  Jlower  greenish 
externally. 

H.  rotundifolium  :  stem  prostrate,  hairy  ;  leaves  ternate  ;  suborbicu- 
lar,  hairy  ;  stipules  cordate,  reflexed ;  racemes  axillary,  paniculate  : 
joints  of  the  loment  subrhomboidal. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  Aug.  '2J-;  stem  2 — 3  feet  long  ;  leaves  large 
— racem.  few-flowered. 

H.  paniculatum  :  erect,  smooth  ;  leaves  ternate,  oblong-lanceolate,  or 
elliptical,  smooth  ;  stipules  subulate ;  joints  of  the  loment  (4 — 5) 
rhomboidal. 

HAB.  Woods.  Aug.  1|- ;  stem  3  feet  high,  slender,  striate ;  leaves 
long ;  loment  large. 

H.  nudiflorum :  leaves  ternate,  broad  oval,  acuminate,  slightly  glau- 
cous beneath  ;  scape  panicled,  smooth,  radical ;  joints  of  the  loment 
obtusely  triangular. 

HAB.  Woods.  Aug.  %',  stem  8—10  inches  high;  pet.  long; 
scape  2 — 3  feet  long,  slender. 

H.  acuminatum  :  erect,  simple,  pubescent ;  leaves  ternate,  ovate,  con- 
spicuously acuminate,  a  little  hairy ;  panicle  terminal,  on  a  very  long 
naked  peduncle ;  joints  of  the  loment  roundish. 

4AB.  Woods.  July— Aug.  1|. ;  stem  8— 12  inches  high  ;  pan.  1—2 
feet  long. 

317.  PIIASEOLUS.     Kidney-bean. 

P.  perennis  :  twining,  pubescent ;  racemes  paniculate,  mostly  by  pairs  ; 

leaflets  ovate,  acuminate,  triply  nerved  ;    legumes  pendulous. 
HAB.  Dry  woods.     July,  7|. ;  stem  long ;  panicle  6 — 12  inches  long 

leg.  broad-falcate. 


SYNGBNESIA JSQUALIS.  405 

318.  APIOS. 

A.  tuberosfi. 

HAB.  Shady  thickets.  July— Aug.  1|_;  root  tubular;  stem  tunn- 
ing; leaves  pinnate;  leaflets  5 — 7;  racem.  axillary  ;  Jlowf.r  dark 
purple. 

319.  AMPHICARPA. 

A.  monoica:  leaves  ternate,  ovate,  smooth;  stem  hairy;  racemes  of 
the  stem  pendulous,  petaliferous,  sterile ;  radical  peduncles,  bearing 
apetalous  fertile  flowers. 

HAB.  Woods  and  thickets.  July — Aug.  If. ;  stem  twin.,  slender  ; 
Jlower  racemose,  pale  purple. 

320.  GALACTIA. 

G.  glabella  :  leaves  ternate,  ovate,  and  elliptic,  subcoriaceous,  shining 
emarginate  at  each  end,  smooth  above ;  racemes  pedunculate,  as  long 
as  the  leaves ;  calyx  smooth ;  legumes  pubescent. 

HAB.  Pine  barrens.  Aug.  Tj. ;  stem  prost.  ;  flower  reddish-purple, 
large. 

321.  TEPHROSIA. 

T.    virginica:    erect,  villous;    leaflets   numerous,   oblong-Unceolate. 

acuminate ;  raceme  terminal,  subsessile ;  legumes  falcate,  villous. 
HAB.  Dry   woods.     July,    7j.;    stem    12   inches  high;    leaves  pale 

green  ;  jftower  white  and  purple. 

322.  MEDIC  AGO.     None-such. 

M.  lupulina:  spikes  ovate;  legumes  reniform,   1-seeded,  veined  and 

rugose ;  stems  procumbent. 
HAB.  Fields,    &c.     May — Oct.    (v) ;    stems  diffuse ;    spikes  small 

yellow. 


SYNGENESIA. 
JEQUALIS. 

Genera.  *  Florets  all  ligulate. 

323.  CICHORIUM.     Calyx  surrounded  with  leafy  scales;  receptacle 
somewhat  chafiy ;  pappus  plumose,  sessile,  unequal. 

324.  LEONTODON.     Calyx   imbricate,   with   flaccid   scales;    recept. 
naked  ;  pappus  simple,  stipitate. 

325.  PRENANTHES.     Calyx  surrounded  with  leafy  scales;  f.orets 
few,  (5 — 20  ;)  receptacle  naked  ;  pappus  simple,  subsessile. 


406"  SYNGENESIA SUPERFLUA. 

326.  LACTUCA.     Calyx  imbricate,  cylindrical;    scales  membranace- 
ous  at  the  margin ;  receptacle  naked ;  pappus  simple,  stipitate. 

327.  8ONCHXJS.     Calyx  imbricate,  swelling  at  the  base;    receptacle 
naked ;  pappus  simple,  sessile. 

328.  H1ERAC1UM.     Calyx  imbricate,  ovate;  receptacle  nearly  punc- 
tate ;  pappus  simple,  sessile. 

329.  KRIGIA.     Calyx   many-leaved,   simple;  receptacle   naked;    pap- 
pus double ;  exterior  5 — 8-leaved ;  interior  of  5,  8,  or  24  scabrous 
bristles. 

*  *  Fiords  all  tubular,  forming  a  hemispherical  head. 

330.  ARCTIUM.     Calyx  globose,  with  the  scales  hooked  at  their  ex- 
tremity ;  receptacle  chaffy  ;  pappus  setaceous-chaffy. 

331.  ONOPOP.^ON.     Calyx  ventricose,  imbricate,  with  spreading  spi- 
nous  scales ',  receptacle   pitted ;  pappus   capillary,   deciduous,  scab- 
rous. 

332.  CNICUS.       Calyx  ventricose,   imbricate,   with    spinous    scales; 
receptacle  hairy  ;  pappus  deciduous,  plumose. 

333.  LIATRIS.      Calyx   oblong,   imbricate;    receptacle   naked;    pap- 
pus plumose,  persistent,  (mostly  colored;)   seed  pubescent,  striate, 
obconic. 

334.  VERNONIA.      Calyx  ovate,   imbricate;    stigma  bifid;    pappus 
double  ;  exterior  short  and  chaffy  ;  interior  capillary. 

*  *  *  Florets  all  tubular,  erect,  forming  a  nearly  level  top. 

335.  EUPATORIUM.     Calyx  imbricate,  oblong ;  style  much  exsert., 
deeply   cleft ;  receptacle   naked ;    pappus  scabrous ;    seeds  5-striate 
or  angular. 

336.  MIKANI A.     Calyx  4— 6-leaved,  4— 6-flowered ;  receptacle  naked ; 
pappus  hairy. 

SUPERFLUA. 

*  Florets  of  the  ray  obsolete. 

337.  TANACETUM.     Calyx  imbricate,  hemispherical ;  scales  acumi- 
nate ;  rays  of  the  corolla  obsolete,  trifid ;  receptacle  naked  ;  papput 
somewhat  margined. 

338.  ARTEMISIA.     Calyx  ovate,  imbricate;   scales  rounded,  conni- 
vent ;  florets  of  the  ray  subulate ;  receptacle  subvillous  or  naked ; 
pappus  0. 

330,  CONYZA.  Calyx  imbricate;  scales  often  subscarious ;  recepta- 
cle naked.  Marginal  florets  fertile,  3-cleft ;  pappus  simple  and  ca- 
pillary. 

340.  GNAPHALIUM.     Calyx  imbricate ;  scales  scarious,  mostly  col- 
ored ;  receptacle  naked ;  Jlorets  of  the  ray  subulate ;  fertile  floreti 
entire ;  pappus  scabrous. 

*  *  Florets  of  the  ray  ligulate. 

341.  EPJGERON.     Calyx  imbricate,  subhemispherical ;  Jlorets  of  tha 
ray  very  numerous  and  narrow ;  receptacle  naked  ;  pappus  double 
exterior  minute;  interior  hairy,  of  few  rays. 


SYNGENESIA ^EQUALIS.  407 

342.  INULA.     Calyx  imbricate ;  florets  of  the  ray  numerous,  (yellow ;) 
receptfide    naked;    pappus   simple,   scabrous;    (sometimes   vfith   & 
minuie,  exterior,  chaffy  pappus.) 

343.  ASTER,     L^alyx  imbricate,  with  the  lower  scales  often  spre- ling , 
florets  of  the  ray  generally  more  than  10,  rareiy  fewer,  (not  y  iV>w ;} 

receptacle  naked  ;  pappus  simple. 

344.  SOLIDAGO.     Calyx  imbricate,  scales  connivent ;  florets  of  the 
ray   about  5,    (yellow ;)    receptacle   naked ;    pappus   simple,   scab- 
rous. 

345.  SENECIO.     Calyx  subcylindric,  equal,  scaly  at  the  base;  scales 
withered  at  the  points;    receptacle  naked;  pappus   simple.     (Ravs 
sometimes  wantiiu.) 

346.  CHRYSANTHEMUM.     Calyx  hemispherical,  imbricate ;.  scales 
with  membranaceous  margins  ;  receptacle  naked  ;  pappus  0. 

347.  ANTHEMIS.      Calyx  hemispherical;   scales  nearly  equal,  with 
scarious    margins ;    receptacle   convex,  with    flat   rigid  chat* ,    seed 
crowned  with  a  membranaceous  border. 

348.  ACHILLEA.      Calyx   ovate,   imbricate,   unequal;    rays    r< — 10, 
roundish-obcordate  ;  seeds  without  pappus  or  border. 

349.  HELENIUM.     Calyx  simple,  many-parted  ;  rays  3-cleft ;  re^epta- 
cle  naked,  globose,  chaffy  on  the  margin ;  seed  villous ;  papp\  s  <>'"  5- 
awned  scales. 

FRUSTRANEA. 

350.  HELIANTHUS.     Calyx  imbricate,  subsquarrose,  leafy,  recent. 
chaffy,  flat ;  pappus  chaffy,  2-leaved,  caducous. 

351.  RUDBECK1A.     Calyx  subequal,  mostly  double ;  receptacle  conic , 
chaffy :  pappus  a  4-toothed  margin. 

352.  BIDENS.     Calyx  subequal,  leafy  or  scaly  at  the  base;  rays  ofter- 
wanting ;  receptacle  chaffy,  flat ;  pappus  consisting  of  2 — 4  retrorse 
ly  scabrous  awns ;  seed  quadrangular. 


SYNGENESIA. 

^EQUALIS. 
species.      323.  CICHORIUM.     Succory. 

C.  Intybus :  flowers  axillary,  sessile,  in  pairs;  leaves  runcinate. 
HAB.    Fields.     July—  Sept.    9^;    stem   2 — 3  feet    high,   branched, 
rough  ;  flower  large,  blue. — §. 

324.  LEONTODON.     Dandelion. 

L.    Taraxacum  :  exterior  scales  of  the  calyx  rcflexed ;  leaves  runcin- 

ate,  smooth,  dentate. 

HAB.    Pastures,    &c.     April — Nov.    7].;    smooth;    leaves    radical} 
flower  large,  -yellow. 


UH  SYNGENESIA AJQUAL1S. 


325.  PRENANTHES. 

P.  iilba :  radical  leaves  angular-hastate,  somewhat  lobed  ;  stem-leaves 
roundish-ovate,  dentate,  petiolate ;  racemes  panicled,  nodding ;  calyx 
8-cleft,  9— 12-flowered. 

HAB.  Low  woods.  August— September,  1J-;  stem  2 — 3  feet  high; 
flower  white,  or  purple. 

P.  serpentaria  :  radical  leaves  palmate-sinuate;  those  of  the  stem  on 
long  petioles,  with  the  middle  segment  3-parted. 

HAB.  Mountains.     Aug. — Sept.     Flower  purple. 

P.  allissinia:  stem  branched;  leaves  3-lobed,  petiolate,  angular,  den- 
ticulate, scabrous  on  the  margin ;  racemes  axillary ;  flowers  nodding 
— calyx  about  5-flowered. 

HAB.  "Woods.     Aug.  1J- ;  stem  3 — 5  feet  high  ;  flower  yellowish. 

P.  cordata :  stem  paniculate  above ;  leaves  petiolate,  cordate,  denticu- 
late, ciliate ;  the  uppermost  ones  sessile,  oblong,  entire ;  flowers  ra- 
cemose, in  a  loose  panicle,  nodding ;  calyx  6-cleft,  6-flowered. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  Aug.  7J. ;  stem  3 — 4  feet  high  ;  flower  yel- 
lowish. 

326.  LACTUCA.     Lettuce. 

L.  elongata :  leaves  smooth  ;  the  lower  ones  runcinate,  amplexicaul ; 

upper  ones  lanceolate,  sessile  ;  flowers  paniculate. 
HAB.    Wet  woods.     1\.  tf.    July— August;    stem  4     6  feet  high; 

pan.  large,  loose  ;  flower  yellow. 

327.  SONCHUS.     Sow  thistle. 

S.  oleraceus  :  peduncles  tomentose ;  calyx   smooth  ;  leaves   runcinate, 

dentate. 
HAB.  Waste  places.     July— Sept.  ©  ;  stem  2—3  feet  high,  hollow  ; 

flower  yellow. — §. 

328.    HIERACIUM.     Hawk-weed. 

H.  venosum :  scape  naked,  paniculate,  smooth ;  leaves  obovate-lan- 
ceolate,  a  little  hairy  above,  naked  beneath,  ciliate ;  the  veins  color- 
ed ;  calyx  smooth. 

HAB.  Woods.  July— August,  1L;  scape  1 — 2  feet  high;  leaves 
radical ;  flower  yellow. 

H.  Gronovii:  scape  leafy,  paniculate;  calyx  glandular-hairy;  leaves 
obovate,  obtuse,  entire,  strigose  ;  midrib  beneath  very  villous. 

HAB.  Dry  hills.  Aug. — September,  'ZJ.;  stem  %  feet  high,  nearly 
naked;  pedicels  glandular. 

H.  paniculatiim:  smoothish ;  stein  erect,  leafy,  whitish  tomentose; 
pedicels  capillary ;  leaves  lanceolate,  naked,  dentate,  niembrana- 
ceous. 

HAB.  Woods.  Aug.— Sept.  TJ.;  stem  1  foot  high;  leaves  smooth; 
pedicels  lone. 

H.  Knlmii:  stem  erect,  subvillose;  leaves  sessile,  lanceolate,  acumi- 
nate, acutely  and  divaricately  dentate ;  panicle  subcorymbose ;  pedi- 
cels tomentose. 

HAB.   Rocky  woods.     Aug.  7}.;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  pedicels  thick. 


SYNOENESIA tfJQUALIS.  409 

H.  marianum :  stem  erect,  villous ;  leaves  obovate  or  elliptic,  slrigose 
and  hispid,  villous  on  the  midrib ;  the  lower  ones  slightly  dentate ; 
pedicels  and  calyx  tomentose. 

HAB.  Sandy  hills.     Aug.— Sept.     Stem  2  feet  high  ;  pan.   dense 
ped.  gland. 

329.  KRIGIA. 

K.  virginica:  glaucous;  primary  leaves  roundish,  entire;  the  resi 
lyrate,  nearly  smooth ;  scape  1-flowered,  smooth,  at  length  longer 
than  the  leaves ;  calyx  smooth. 

HAB.  Sandy  soils.  May; — July,  <v)  ;  scape  1 — 6  inches  tiigh  ;  Jlow- 
er  small,  orange. 

K.  amplexicaulis :  glaucous ;  leaves  oblong-ovate ;  radical  ones  sub- 
dendate,  spathulate,  scape  somewhat  leafy,  often  bifid;  branches 
2 — 3-flowercd ;  pappus  with  many  bristles. 

HAB.  Woods.  June,  1j. ;  stem  1  foot  high;  pedunc.  elong.  ;  flow- 
ers large,  orange. 

330.  ARCTIUM.     Burdock. 

/L   Lappa  :  leaves  cordate,  petiolate,  without,  prickles. 
HAB.  Road  sides,  &c.      July — Dec.  Tj. ;    leaves  large,  spreading ; 
Jloic&rs  terminal,  purple. — §. 

331.  ONOPORDON.     Cotton  thistle. 

3.  Acanthium:  scales  of  the  calyx  spreading,  subulate ;  leaves  ovate- 
oblong  decurrent,  sinuate  and  spinous,  woolly  on  both  sides. 

HAB.  Waste  places.  July,  ^5  plant  white  and  woolly;  Jlowei 
large,  solitary,  purple. — §. 

332.  CNICUS.     Thistle. 

*  Leaves  decurrent. 

3.  lanceolatus .  leaves  decurrent,  pinnatiSd,  hispid ;  the  segments  di- 
varicate and  spinous ;  calyx  ovate,  tomentose ;  scales  lanceolate, 
spreading. 

3AB.  Waste  places.  July — September,  tf;  stem  2 — 4  feet  high- 
leaves  foment,  beneath. — §. 

*  *  Leaves  sessile. 

C.  altissimus:  leaves  sessile,  oblong-lanceolate,  scabrous,  tomentose 
beneath,  dentate,  ciliate;  radical  ones  pinnatifid;  calyx  ovate, 
bracteate;  scales  ovate-lanceolate,  spinous,  appressed. 

HAB.  Old  fields.  June— Septembrr.  -1\. ;  stem  3 — 8  feet  high  ;  Jloic- 
er  subsolitary,  large,  purple  or  w!>  ".. 

C.  arvensis :  leaves  sessile;  pinn  lid,  spinous;  stem  paniculate; 
calyx  ovate  or  globose;  scales  ate-lanceolate,  mucronate,  ap- 
pressed. 

HAB.  Road  sides,  &c.  July,  ^;  -oot  creeping;  stem  2 — 3  feel 
high  ;  floiccr  small,  purple. — §  1 

C.   discolor  :   leaves  sessile,  lanceolate,  pinnatifid,  smooth  above,  white 


410  SYNGENESIA ^EQUALIS. 

and  toinentose  beneath;  segments  2-lobed,  spinous;   calyx  subgl«> 

hose ;  scales  appressed,  with  rcflexed  points. 
HAB.    Thickets.      July — Sept.     $ ;    stem    3 — 5  feet    high,   much 

branch. ;  Jlower  reddish-purple. 
C.    glutinosus :   leaves  pinnatifid,   with   divaricate   segments ;    calyj 

ovate,  with  unarmed  glutinous  scales. 
HAB.   Damp  soils.      Aug.— Sept.   tf;  stem  4— -6  feet  high;  Jlow. 

small,  purple  ;    calyx  webbed. 

333.   LIATRIS. 

L.  scariosa :  stem  erect,  hairy  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  pubescent,  scabrous 
along  the  margin ;  raceme  long ;  calyx  14-flowered ;  scales  obo- 
vate,  nearly  smooth,  with  the  margin  scarious ;  the  lower  ones 
spreading. 

HAB.  Sandy  hills  and  woods.  Sept.  Ij. ;  stem  3 — 4  feet  high  ;Jlow- 
ers  num.,  large. 

334.  VERNONIA. 

V.  novcboracensis :  leaves  numerous,  lanceolate,  scabrous,  serrulate, 
corymb  fastigiate ;  scales  of  the  calyx  filiform  at  the  extremity. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Aug. — Oct.  Ij. ;  stem  4 — 6  feet  high ;  flow- 
ers large,  purp. 

335.  EUPATORIUM.     Thoroughwort. 

*  Calyx  3 — b-Jlowered. 

E.  sessilifolium .  leaves  sessile,  amplexicaul,  distinct,  ovate-lanceolate, 
rounded  at  the  base,  very  smooth ;  stem  smooth. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  Aug. — Sept.  7J. ;  stem  2  feet  high;  leaves 
large  ;  Jl.  wh. 

E.  teucrifolium  :  leaves  sessile,  distinct,  ovate,  scabrous,  coarsely  ser- 
rate at  the  base ;  uppermost  ones  entire. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Aug.— Sept.  7J.;  stem  2  feet  high;  leaves 
subamplex. ;  Jl.  ich. 

*  *  Calyx  more  than  5-Jlowered. 

E.  purpureum:    leaves  petiolate   by   fours   or  fives,   ovate-lanceolate, 

serrate,  rugosely  veined,  slightly  scabrous ;  stem  hollow. 
HAB.  Low  grounds.     Aug. — Sept.  7| ;   stem  5—6  feet  high,  purp 

—Jl.  purp.  ;  cal.  S-leav. 
E.  macuJatum:   leaves  petiolate,  by  fours  or  fives,  ovate-lanceolate 

unequally  serrate,  pubescent  beneath  ;    stem  solid,  sulcate. 
HAB.  Low  grounds.     Aug. — Sept.  *2J.;  stem  4 — 5  feet  high,  punct 

—cal.  5—8-Jl. 
E.   Terticillatum  :  leaves  petiolate,  by  threes  or  fours,  ovate-lanceolate, 

acuminate   at  each   end,   unequally   serrate,  nearly   smooth;    stern 

solid. 
HAB.  Wet  woods.     Aug.— Sept.  Tj.;  stem  3—4  feet  high,  slend. 

cal.  wh.  ;  Jl.   purp. 
E.  perfoliatum :   leaves  connate-per foliate,  pubescent. 


SYNOENESIA SttPERFLUA.  411 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Aug. — Sept.  1). ;  stem  2  feet  high,  branch., 
vill.  ;  leaves  large  ;  Jl.  wh. 

E.  ageratoides :  leaves  on  long  petioles,  subcordate,  ovate,  acuminate, 
dentate,  nearly  smooth,  triply  nerved ;  corymb  many-flowered ;  ca- 
lyx nearly  equal. 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  Aug.— Sept.  '4;  stem  %  ft.  high,  smooth ;  Jl. 
num.,  wh.,  small. 

336.  MIKANIA. 

M.  scandens  :  stem  climbing,  smooth ;  leaves  cordate,  repand-dentate, 
acuminate,  with  divaricate  unequal  lobes  ;  flowers  corymbed. 

HAB.  Moist  thickets.  July — Sept.  Tj.;  leaves  oppos. ;  corymb, 
axil.,  pink. 

SUPERFLUA. 
337.  TANACETUM.     Tansey. 

T.   vulgare  :   leaves  doubly  pinnate,  incisely  serrate. 
HAB.  Old  fields,  &c.     Aug.— Sept.  1\. ;  plant  odor.  ;  flower  dense, 
yell—%. 

338.  ARTEMISIA.     Wormwood. 

A.  canadensis :  stem  herbaceous,  paniculate,  mostly  erect;  radical 
leaves  subpinnate,  slightly  tomentose ;  cauline  ones  pinnate,  seg- 
ments subsetaceous,  incised,  flat,  nearly  smooth  ;  flowers  subglobose, 
sessile  ;  scales  of  the  calyx  scarious. 

HAB.  Sandy  shores.  Aug.  'ij-  5  stem  3 — 4  feet  high,  brownish  ;  Jl. 
glomerate. 

339.  CONYZA.     Marsh-fleabane. 

C.  camphorata  :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  somewhat  pubescent,  acute, 
serrate  ;  the  serratures  rnucronate ;  flowers  in  crowded  corymbs. 

HAB.  Salt  marshes.  Aug.  71;  strong-scented;  stem  1  foot  high: 
Jl.  purp. 

340.  GNAPHALIUM.     Cud-weed. 

G.  plantagineum :  shoots  procumbent ;    stem  simple ;   radical   leaves 

ovate.  3-nerved,  mucronate ;  flowers  dioecious. 
HAB.  Dry  hills  and  woods.     Apr. — Sept.  7J.;  plant  downy;   rad 

leaves  large  ;  Jl.  pale  purp. 
G.  polycephalum :   herbaceous,  erect ;   leaves  linear-lanceolate,  acute, 

smooth  above,  pubescent  beneath;   stem  paniculate,  tornentose,  co- 
rymbs terminal,  crowded. 
HAB.  AVoods  and  low  grounds.     Aug.  $jj)  ;  strong-scented,  branch.  \ 

Jl.  clvst.,   pale  yell. 
G.   margaritaceum :   herbaceous ;   leaves  linear-lanceolate,  acuminate, 

alternate ;   stem    branched  at   the  top ;   corymb  fastigiate ;    flowers 

pedicellate. 

36 


41*2  STNGENESIA SUPERFLUA. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  Aug.  1\.;  stem  1—2  feet  high,  woolly; 
Jl.  large,  few,  wh. 

G.   uliginosum :  stem  much  branched ;   branches  spreading,  woolly 
leaves  linear-lanceolate ;   flowers  in  terminal,  leafy  crowded  heads. 

HAB.  Low  grounds,  &c.  Aug.  ©  ;  stem  low,  spreading;  calyx 
yellowish. 

G.  purpureum:  herbaceous;  leaves  hnear-spathulate,  tomentose  be- 
neath; stem  erect,  simple;  flowers  sessile,  glomerate,  axillary, 
terminal. 

HAB.  Fields.  June,  Tj.  ;  stolonif. ;  stem  8—12  in.  high  ;  Jlowers 
purplish. 

G.  dfcurrens:  stem  erect,  much  branched;  leaves  linear-lanceolate, 
very  acute,  decurrent,  white  and  woolly  beneath,  naked  above  ;  flow- 
ers in  dense,  terminal,  roundish  clusters. 

HAB.  Hills  and  fields.  Aug.  Tj.;  stem  2  feet  high;  leaves  green 
above  ;  Jl.  yell. 

341.  ERIGERON.     Flea-bane. 

E.  bellidifolium :  hairy,  gray ;  radical  leaves  obovate,  subserrate ; 
stem  leaves  remote,  oblong-ovate,  amplexicaul,  entire;  stem  3 — 5- 
flowered ;  rays  nearly  twice  as  long  as  the  hemispherical  calyx. 

HAB.  Hills.  May,  ^  ;  stem  erect,  simp.,  12—18  inches  high  ;  Jl 
pale  purp. 

E.  integrifolium  :  stem  simple,  leafy,  smooth ;  leaves  lanceolate,  en- 
tire, 3-nerved  ;  flowers  corymbed  ;  calyx  hemispherical ;  scales 
acute. 

HAB.  Woods,  (fee.  June — Aug.  Tj. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  lean,  rarely 
subdent. ;  Jl.  wh. 

E.  philadelphicum :  pubescent;  leaves  cuneate-oblong,  subserrate ; 
those  of  the  stems  semiamplexicaul ;  florets  of  the  ray  capillary,  as 
long  as  the  disk ;  stem  branched  above,  many-flowered. 

HAB.  Old  fields.  June— Oct.  1\. ;  stem  2—3  feet  high,  slend. ;  Jl.. 
pale  purp. 

E.  purpureum  :  pubescent ;  leaves  oblong,  dentate,  amplexicaul ;  up- 
per ones  very  entire ;  peduncles  corymbed,  thick ;  the  inferior  ones 
elongated  ;  rays  twice  as  long  as  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Woods/   June,  Q  ;    stem  2  feet  high;  Jl.  large,  purp. 

E.  strigosum  :  hairy  and  strigose ;  leaves  lanceolate,  attenuate  at  each 
end,  with  a  few  coarse  teeth  in  the  middle,  or  entire  ;  flowers  in  a 
corymbose  panicle. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  June— Oct.  tf ;  stem  2—  3  feet  high,  sulc. ; 
rays  capill.,  wh., 

E.  heterophyllum :  radical  leaves  roundish-ovate,  with  large  teeth,  pe- 
tiolate ;  stem  leaves  lanceolate,  acute,  serrate  in  the  middle ;  corymb 
terminal. 

HAB.  Meadows.  June — Oct.  tf ;  stem  2—3  feet  high ;  leav.  large  ; 
Jlowers  wh. 

*  Subgenus  CuENOTUS.     Calyx  oblong  ;   rays  very  numerous, 
minute ;  pappus  simple. 

E.  canadense:  stem  hairy  or  hispid,  paniculate;  leaves  lanceolate 
lower  ones  subserrate ;  rays  crowded,  very  short 


SYNGENESIA SUPERFLUA.  413 

HAB.  Fields  ond  cultivated  grounds.  Aug. — Nov.  ©  *>  stem  1  in, 
—  C>  feet  high.  Variable. 

342.   INULA. 

I.  helenium. :  leaves  amplexicaul,   ovate,   rugose,  tomentose  beneath ; 

scales  of  the  calyx. 
HAB.    Road  sides.   July— Aug.   Tj.;  stem  3—4  feet  high;  leaves 

large;  Jl.  yell.— •§. 

343.  ASTER.     Starwort. 

k  Calyx  white,  green  at  the  summit ;  florets  of  the  ray  about  5,  white. 

A.  conyzoides:  leaves  oval-lanceolate,  acute,  serrate  towards  the 
summit,  triply  nerved  ;  the  lower  ones  attenuate  at  the  base ;  upper 
entire ;  scales  of  the  calyx  oval,  obtuse,  appressed,  slightly  reflexed 
at  the  summit. 

HAB  Woods  and  copses.  July — Aug.  %. ;  stem  2  ft.  high  ;  leav. 
thick ;  cal.  cylind. 

*  *  Florets  of  the  ray  numerous  ;  pappus  single. 
t  Leaves  entire. 

A.  subulatus  :  smooth ;  stem  much  branched  from  the  base,  panicu- 
late ;  leaves  long  and  linear,  very  acute ;  uppermost  subulate ;  calyx 
subcylindric,  with  subulate  scales ;  radical  florets  minute. 

HAB.  Salt  marshes.  Aug. — Nov.  <v) ;  stem  12 — 18  inches  high  ; 
Jl.  small,  purp. 

A.  foliolosus :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  attenuate  at  each  end,  acumi- 
nate ;  stem  pubescent,  paniculate,  erect ;  branches  few-flowered ; 
calyx  imbricate,  with  linear,  acute,  appressed  scales. 

HAB.     Dry  fields.     Aug.— Oct.  7J. ;  Jl.  small,  white. 

A.  tenuifolius  :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  tapering  at  each  end,  very 
entire ;  margin  slightly  scabrous :  stem  smooth,  branched,  erect,  with 
1-flowered  branches;  scales  of  the  calyx  acute,  loose. 

HAB.  Fields.  Sept.  1\.;  stem  2  feet  high,  pnbesc  above ;  Jl.  sm. 
pale  purp. 

b.  dumosus :  branches  paniculate,  with  very  short  leaves. 
HAB.     Fields.     Sept.     PL.  wh.  or  pale  purp. 

c.  cricoides :  leaves  linear ;  those  on  the  branches  short  and   approxi- 
mate ;  stem  smooth. 

HAB.     Rocky  fields.     Sept.     Lower  leaves  long;  very  smooth;  Jl. 

pale  purp. 
A.  multijlorus:  leaves  linear,  entire,  nearly  smooth,  somewhat  ciliate; 

stem  diffusely  branched,  pubescent,  calyx  imbricate,  squarrose,  with 

oblong,  ciliate  scales. 
HAB.  Rocky  fields.    Sept.  1\. ;  stem  2  feet  high,  very  pubes. ;  Jl.  v)h.  • 

disk.  yell. 
A.    sparsiflorus :   very  smooth  ;    stem  sparingly  branched,  somewhat 

flexuous ;  leaves  long  and  succulent ;   the  inferior  ones  sublanceo- 


414  SYNGENESIA SUl'ERFLUA. 

late-linear  ;  superior  subulate  ;  branches  one-flowered,  leafy ;  scales 
of  the  calyx  lanceolate,  acuminate,  appressed;  rays  numerous,  shorter 
than  the  calyx 

EIAB.  Salt  marshes.  Aug. — Oct.  %;  stem  12  in.  high  ;  flowers 
large,  jni.rp. 

A.  salicifolius :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  nearly  entire ;  stem  smooth, 
paniculate  above  ;  calyx  loose,  imbricate ;  scales  acute,  spreading  at 
their  points. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Sept.  'ZJ.;  stem  tall;  fl.  middle-sized,  red- 
dish blue. 

A.  novae  angliee  :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  amplexicaul,  auriculate  at 
the  base ;  stem  hairy  and  paniculate ;  flowers  subsolitary  on  the 
branchlets,  somewhat  fastigiate ;  scales  of  the  calyx  loose,  linear- 
lanceolate,  rather  longer  than  the  disk. 

HAB.  Fields.  Aug.— Oct.  ^  ;  stem  4—  6  feet  high  ;fl.  large,  purp.- 
bl. ;  rays  numerous. 

A.  patens :  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  ciliate,  cordate  and  amplexicaul, 
scabrous  and  hairy  on  both  sides,  those  on  the  branches  minute ; 
branches  spreading,  elongated,  few-flowered;  scales  of  the  calyx 
spreading,  lanceolate. 

HAB.  Rocky  soils.  Sept.— Oct.  2J.;  stem  1^—2  feet  high  ;  flowers 
blue. 

1 1  Leaves  lanceolate  and  ovate ;  the  lower  ones  serrate. 

a.  Flowers  corymbed. 

A.  puniceus :  leaves  amplexicaul,  lanceolate,  serrate,  somewhat  scab- 
rous ;  branches  paniculate ;  calyx  loose,  longer  than  the  disk  ;  leaf- 
lets linear-lanceolate,  subequal ;  stem  hispid. 

HAB.  Brackish  swamps.  Sept.  7|.;  stem  6  feet  high,  purple ;  flow- 
er large,  purple. 

A.  acuminatus :  leaves  broad-lanceolate,  narrowed  and  entire  at  the 
base,  unequally  serrate  above,  long-acuminate;  stem  simple,  flexu- 
ous,  angular ;  panicle  divaricately  dichotomous ;  scales  of  the  ca- 
lyx loose,  linear. 

HAB.  Mountains.  September,  Tj.;  stem  12  inches  high  ;  leaves 
large ;  flower  white. 

A.  dracunculoides :  leaves  linear,  acuminate,  entire ;  lower  linear- 
lanceolate,  slightly  serrate ;  branches  corymbose ;  calyx  imbricate ; 
stem  nearly  smooth. 

HAB.  Fields.  Sept.— Oct.  %;  stem  3  feet  high;  flower  small, 
white. 

b.  Flowers  panicled. 

A.  ample. ricaulis :  leaves  ovate,  oblong,  acute,  amplexicaul,  cordate, 
serrate,  smooth ;  stem  paniculate,  smooth ;  branches  1 — 2  flowered  ; 
scales  of  the  calyx  closely  imbricate. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  Sept. — Oct.  1\. ;  stem  18  inches  high ;  flower 
blue. 

A.  mutabilis  :  leaves  subamplexicaul ;  upper  ones  lanceolate,  acumin- 
ate, very  entire ;  inferior-lanceolate,  narrow  at  the  base,  serrate ; 
branches  virgate  ;  calyx  loose,  shorter  than  the  disk ;  stem  smooth. 

HAB.  Fields  and  dry  woods.  Sept.  7J. ;  stem  2  —3  feet  high  ;  flowet 
purple. 


SYNGENESIA SUPERFLUA.  415 

A.  Tradescanti :  leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  sessile,  smooth ;  branches 
virgate  ;  calyx  loose,  imbricate ;  stem  terete  ;  smooth. 

HAB.  Fields.  Aug. — Oct. ;  stem  3  feet  high ;  flower  small,  white 
or  blue. 

A.  laxus :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  acuminate,  scabrous  on  the  margin 
— the  lower  ones  subserrate,  those  of  the  stem  subreflexed,  of  the 
branches  much  spreading  ;  stem  loose,  paniculate  above  ;  calyx  im- 
bricate ;  scales  lanceolate,  acute,  reflexed  at  the  apex. 

HAB.     Fields.     Sept.—  Oct.  I).;  flower  small,  white. 

A.  miser :  leaves  sessile,  lanceolate,  serrate,  smooth  ;  scales  of  the 
calyx  acute ;  disk  equal  to  the  ray ;  stem  somewhat  villous. 

HAB.  Old  fields.     Sept.— Oct. ;  flower  small,  while. 

a.  dirergens ;  leaves  elliptical-lanceolate,  those  of  the  stem  elongated  ; 
branches  spreading. 

b.  diffusus :  leaves  all  proportioned. 

g.  pendulus :  leaves  of  the  branches  rather  remote ;  branches  very  di- 
varicate, pendulous. 


c.  Leaves  cordate,  serrate. 


A.  undulalus :  leaves  oblong-cordate,  amplexicaul,  very  entire,  hairy, 
somewhat  undulate ;  inferior  ones  ovate,  cordate,  subserrate ;  peti- 
oles winged ;  stem  paniculate,  hispid ;  branches  secund,  leafy,  1- 
flowered. 

HAB.  Dry  woods,  &c.  Sept.  %;  stem  2  feet  high;  flower  middle- 
sized,  blue. 

A.  sagittifolius :  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate,  sessile,  serrate 
in  the  middle ;  radical  ones  oblong,  cordate-sagittate,  serrate,  petio- 
olate  ;  stem  branched,  smooth  ;  scales  of  the  calyx  loose,  lanceolate. 

HAB.     In  rocky  woods.     Sept.  Tj. ;  flower  middle-sized,  blue. 

A.  paniculatus  :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  subserrate,  petiolate,  smooth ; 
radical  ones  ovate-cordate,  serrate,  scabrous,  petiolate ;  petioles  na- 
ked ;  stem  much  branched,  smooth  ;  branches  hairy ;  calyx  loose, 
subimbricate. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  Sept.  7J.;  stem  2—3  feet  high;  flower 
pale  blue.  Near  A.  undulatus. 

A.  cordifolius :  leaves  cordate,  hairy  beneath,  acutely  serrate,  petio- 
late ;  petioles  winged ;  stem  paniculate,  smoothish ;  panicle  divari- 
cate ;  calyx  loose,  subimbricate. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  Sept.  Ij. ;  stem  2  feet ;  flower  rather  small, 
pale  blue. 

A.  corymbosus :  leaves  ovate,  acutely  serrate,  acuminate,  smoothish; 
inferior  ones  cordate,  petiolate ;  petioles  naked ;  stem  smooth,  corym- 
bose-fastigiate  above ;  branches  hairy ;  calyx  oblong,  imbricate ;  scales 
obtuse,  closely  appressed. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  July — Aug.  7J. ;  stem  %feet  high ;  flower  mid- 
dle-sized, white. 

A.  macrophylhis :  leaves  ovate,  petiolate,  serrate,  scabrous;  uppei 
ones  ovate-cordate,  sessile ;  inferior  cordate,  petiolate  ;  petioles  some- 
what margined  ;  stem  branched,  diffuse ;  calyx  cylindrical,  closely 
imbricate  ;  scales  oblong,  acute. 

HAB.     Woods.     Aug.  $£j  stem  2  feet  high;  flower  pretty  large,, 
white  or  pale  blue. 
36* 


4lti  SYNGENESIA 9UPERFLUA. 

*  *  *  Pappus  double  ;  flowers  mostly  con/mbed. 

A.  linariifolius :  leaves  linear,  mucronate,  thick,  without  nerves  01 
punctures,  carinate,  scabrous,  rigid  ;  those  of  the  branches  recurved ; 
stem  subdecumbent ;  branches  fastigiate,  elongated,  1-flowered  -, 
calyx  imbricate,  as  long  as  the  disk. 

HAB.  Dry  fields,  and  on  rocks.  Sept.— Oct.  A  foot  high  ;  flower 
violet. 

A.  humilis :  leaves  oblong-ovate,  acuminate,  acute  at  the  base,  sca- 
brous on  the  margin ;  petiole  short ;  stem  smooth,  dichotomously 
paniculate  above,  few-flowered  ;  calyx  loose,  subimbricate. 

HAB.  Woods,  &c.  Aug.  7J. ;  stem  1—2  feet  high ;  leaves  large ; 
flower  white. 

A.  amygdalinus  :  leaves  lanceolate,  attenuate  at  the  base,  acuminate, 
scabrous  on  the  margin;  stem  simple,  corymbose-fastigiate  at  the 
summit ;  calyx  loose,  imbricate ;  scales  lanceolate,  obtuse. 

HAB.  Fields  and  low  grounds.  July — Aug.  7J. ;  a  foot  high  ; 
flower  white. 

344.  SOLIDAGO.     Golden-rod. 

*  Racemes  secund ;  leaves  triply  nerved. 

S.  canadensis :  stem  villous,  leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  triply  nerved, 
scabrous ;  racemes  paniculate,  secund,  recurved  ;  rays  short. 

HAB.  Old  fields,  &c.  Aug.— Sept.  fy  ;  stem  3— 4  feet  high  ;  leaves 
large. 

S.  procera :  stem  villous,  erect ;  leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  scabrous, 
villous  beneath  ;  racemes  spiciform,  erect,  when  young  drooping ; 
rays  short. 

HAB.     Low  grounds.     Sept.— Oct.  Tj. ;  stem  4—6  feet  high. 

S.  serotina :  stem  erect,  terete,  smooth  ;  leaves  linear-lanceolate ;  ra- 
cemes paniculate,  secund ;  peduncles  pubescent. 

HAB  Meadows.  Sept.  *T\. ;  stem  4  feet  high;  young  leaves  cil- 
iate. 

S.  gigantea :  stem  erect,  smooth  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  scabrous 
on  the  margin,  obscurely  triply-nerved  ;  racemes  paniculate,  secund  ; 
peduncles  hairy  ;  rays  short. 

HAB.  Low  meadows.  Sept. — Oct.  QJ.;  stem  4 — 7  feet  high,  pur- 
plish. 

S.  ciliaris :  stem  erect,  smooth ;  leaves  lanceolate,  subtriply  nerved, 
smooth,  except  on  the  margin,  subserrate  ;  racemes  paniculate,  se- 
cund ;  peduncles  smooth  ;  bracts  ciliate  ;  rays  short. 

HAB.  Borders  of  woods.  Aug.  Q\. ;  stem  3  feet  high,  angul.  ? 
radical  leaves  long. 

*  *  Racemes  secund ;  leaves  veined. 

S.  altissima :   stem  erect,  hirsute ;  leaves  lanceolate,  the  lower  ones 

deeply  serrate,  very  rough,  rugose ;  panicles  secund  ;  rays  short 
HAB.    Old  fields.     Sept.— Oct.  1\. ;  stem  3—5  feet  high.—  Variable. 
S.   rugosa  :  stem  erect,  hairy  ;  leaves  lanceolate,  very  rough  and  ru- 


SYNGENESIA SUPERFLUA.  417 

gous ;  the  lower  ones  with  appressed  serratures ;   racemes  paniculate, 

widely  spreading. 

HAB.  Stony  fields.     Sept.— Oct.  'Zj.;   stem  4  feet  high. 
S    nemoraiis :  stem  erect,  woolly;  cauline   leaves  lanceolate,  hispid, 

very  entire ;   radical  ones  sub-cuneiform,  serrate ;  racemes  panicu- 
late, secund. 

HAB.  Barren  fields.     Sept.  Tj. ;   plant  gray,  1 — 2  feet  high. 
S.  patula :  stem  erect,  smooth  ;  leaves  elliptical,  serrate,  smooth  ;  lower 

ones    oblong-spathulate ;    racemes    paniculate,    secund,    spreading; 

peduncles  pubescent. 
HAB.  Dry  woods.     Sept.    7). ;    stem  %  feet  high,  virgate;    racemes 

short. 
S.  ulmifolia :   stem   erect,  smooth,    striate  ;   leaves   elliptical,   deeply 

serrate,  acuminate,  villous  beneath ;   radical  ones  obovate ;   racemes 

paniculate,  secund ;  peduncles  villous ;  rays  short. 
HAB.   Low  grounds.     Aug. — Sept.   94- ;    stem  3  feet  high ;   leaves 

large. 
S.  arguta  :  stem  erect,  smooth ;   leaves  smooth,  acutely  and  unequally 

serrate ;   cauline  ones  elliptical ;   radical  ovate-oblong  ;  racemes  pan- 
iculate, secund  ;    rays  elongate. 
HAB.  Meadows.     Aug.  Q|;    stem  2  feet  high. 
S.   odora :  stem   erect,    pubescent,   slender ;    leaves   linear-lanceolate, 

very  entire,  smooth,  scabrous  on  the  margin ;  racemes  paniculate, 

secund. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills  and  dry  woods.     July — Aug.  1}.;   stem  subvirg.  ; 

plant  odorous. 

*  *  *  Racemes  erect. 

S.  bicolor :  stem  hairy;  leaves  elliptic,  hairy;  lower  ones  serrate; 
branches  leafy ;  racemes  short,  dense,  erect ;  scales  of  the  calyx  ob- 
tuse. 

HAB.  Dry  hills  and  woods.  July — Aug.  1|_;  stem  1 — 2  ft.  high; 
rays  white. 

S.  stricta  :  stem  erect,  smooth  ;  cauline  leaves  lanceolate,  very  entire, 
smooth,  scabrous  on  the  margin ;  radical  ones  serrate ;  racemes  pan- 
iculate, erect;  peduncles  smooth. 

HAB.  Sandy  woods.     Sept.  Q|;    stein  2  feet  high  ;   panic,  dense. 

S.  lanceolata :  stem  angular,  hairy,  much  branched ;  leaves  lanceo- 
late-linear, entire,  3 — 5-nerved,  scabrous  on  the  margin,  minutely 
hispid  on  nerves  beneath ;  corymbs  terminal,  fastigiate ;  rays  15 — 20, 
as  long  as  the  disk. 

HAB.  Meadows.  Sept.  '2J. ;  stem  3 — 4  feet  high  ;  Jl.  glomerate  ; 
cal.  orate. 

S.  caesia  :  stem  smooth,  glaucous,  erect ;  leaves  lanceolate,  smooth ; 
racemes  erect ;  rays  of  middling  length. 

HAB.  In  dry  woods.  Sept.  Tj. ;  stem  slend.,  2  feet  high,  subvir- 
gate  ;  pedicels  scab. 

S.  jlexicaulis :  stem  flexuous,  smooth,  angular;  leaves  ovate-lanceo- 
late, acuminate,  serrate,  glabrous;  racemes  axillary;  rays  half  as 
long  again  as  the  calyx. 

HAB.  Fields  and  woods.  Sept.  l^.;  stem  slender,  purp.,Q  feet  high 
— racem.  short. 

S.  latifolia  :  stem  somewhat  flexuous,  angular,  smooth ;  leaves  broad- 


418  SYNGENESIA — SUPERFLTJA. 

Iy  ovate,  acuminate,  deeply  serrate,  smooth,  petioles  winged ;  racemes 

axillary. 
HAB.  Dry  woods.     Sept.— Oct.  Tj.;   stem  18  in.  high  ;   leaves  2  in. 

broad,  atten.  at  base. 
S.    laevigata :   stem  erect,   smooth ;   leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  fleshy, 

very  entire,  very  smooth ;  racemes  paniculate,  erect ;  peduncles  sculy, 

villous ;   rays  elongate. 
HAB.    Salt  marshes.     Sept.— Oct.   Tj. ;  stem  4—5  feet  high ;  rays 

about  10  ;  radical  leaves  subobovate. 
S.  rigida  :  stem  hairy  and  scabrous  ;  leaves  ovate-oblong,  rough,  with 

minute  hairs ;   those  of  the  stem  very  entire  ;  lower  ones  serrate ; 

flowering  branches  paniculate ;    racemes  compact ;   rays  elongate , 

scales  of  the  calyx  obtuse. 
HAB.    Rocky  woods.      Aug. — Sept.   Ij. ;    stem  tall ;  leaves  rigid , 

Jl.  very  large. 
S.  squarrosa :   stem  thick,   pubescent  above ;  leaves  smooth ;   lower 

ones  very  broad,  spathulate-oval,  serrate,  acute  ;   upper  ones  lanceo- 
late-elliptic ;   racemes  glomerate,  rigid,  and  pubescent ;  calyx  squar- 

rose,  many-flowered  ;  rays  10 — 12,  elongate. 
HAB.  Rocky  hills.     Sept.  1J. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  Jl.  very  large. 

345.  SENECIO.     Groundsel. 

*  Florets  of  the  rays  wanting. 

S.  hicracifolius :  stem    virgate,  paniculate ;   leaves    oblong,  amplexi- 

caul,  unequally  and  deeply  toothed  ;   dentures  acute  ;  calyx  smooth ; 

seeds  hairy. 
HAB.   Fields,  &c.     Aug.— Oct.  <v>  ;  stem  2—3  feet  high  ;  subscab.  ; 

calyx  ventric.,  large  ;  Jl.  wh. 
S.  vulgaris :  leaves  mostly  amplexicaul,  sinuate-pinnatifid,  toothed ; 

stem  paniculate,  erect,  angular. 
HAB.  Waste  grounds.     Aug.  (v)  ;  stem  18  in.  high  ;  leaves  thin  ; 

Jl.  pale  yell.—%. 

*  *  Flowers  radiate. 

55.  gracilis  :  radical  leaves  on  very  long  petioles,  orbicular,  subcordate, 
crenate ;  stem-leaves  few,  very  remote,  linear-oblong,  dilated  at  the 
base,  incisely  dentate ;  peduncles  very  short,  hairy,  subumbellate ; 
calyx  smooth  ;  rays  few,  very  short. 

HAB.  Rocky  banks.     May— Aug.  7].;  a  foot  high;   Jl.  small. 

S.  aureus  :  radical  leaves  ovate,  cordate,  senate  ;  petiolate  ;  stem  leaves 
pinnatifid,  dentate,  terminal  segment  lanceolate  ;  peduncles  subum- 
bellate, thick. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  May,  1\  ;  stem  18  in.  high  ;  limb.  simp.  ;  Jl. 
yell. 

S.  baisamitce  :  radical  leaves  oblong,  serrate,  petiolate  ;  lower  cauline 
leaves  lyrate-pinnatifid,  serrate  ;  upper  ones  pinnate,  dentate  ;  tlow- 
ers  somewhat  umbellate  ;  stem  and  peduncles  villous  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Meadows,  &c.  June,  TJ. ;  stem  1 — 2  feet  high  ;  leaves  sub- 
pubes. ;  JL.  yellow. 


SYNGENESIA FRUSTRANEA.  419 

346.  CHRYSANTHEMUM.     Ox-eye  Daisy. 

C.  leucanthemum  :  leaves  amplexicaul,  lanceolate,  serrate,   laciniate- 

dentate  at  the  base ;   stem  erect,  branching. 
HAB.  Fields,  &c.     May— Nov.  TJ. ;   stem  12—18  in.  high. ;  flowers 

large,  wh. — §. 

347.  ANTHEMIS.     May-weed. 

A.  cotula :  receptacle  conic ;   chaff  bristly  ;  seed  naked  ;  leaves  bipin- 

nate ;  segments  subulate,  3-parted. 
HAB.    Waste    grounds.     June — Nov.    <v);    erect;  fl.    in   termin 

corymb.  ;  Jl.  w!i. — §. 

348.  ACHILLEA.     Milfoil. 

A.  millefolium  :  leaves  bipinnatifid,  hairy ;   segments  linear,  toothed, 

mucronate ;   calyx  sulcate. 
HAB.  Fields,  &c.     June — Sept.  ^ ;    a  foot  high  ;  corymb,  dense  ; 

fl.  wh.  or  rose-col. — §. 

349.  HELENIUM.     False  sunflower. 

H.  autumnale;  leaves  lanceolate,  serrate,  decurrent;   flowers  corymb- 

ed  ;   florets  of  the  disk  5-cleft,  of  the  ray  flat,  reflcxed. 
HAB.  Low  meadows.      August— Sept.   Tj. ;   stem  2 — 3  feet  high, 

winged  ;  fl.  yell. 

FRUSTRANEA. 
350.  HELIANTHUS.     Sunflower. 

t  Leaves  opposite. 

H.  mollis :  stem  smooth  below,  scabrous  above ;  leaves  ovate-lanceo- 
late, acute,  serrate,  scabrous  on  the  upper  surface,  pubescent  and 
hairy  beneath  ;  flowers  few,  terminal. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  1\.\  stem  3 — 6  feet  high;  leaves  very  acute  • 
Jl.  few  ;  cat.  hairy. 

H.  divaricatus:  stem  smooth,  branched;  leaves  subopposite,  sessile, 
ovate-lanceolate,  triply  nerved,  scabrous  above,  smooth  beneath ; 
panicle  trichotomous,  slender ;  flowers  very  small. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  Aug.  Ij. ;  stem  4 — 6  ft.  high  ;  leaves  suba- 
eliminate. 

H.  frondosus  :  stem  smooth  below ;  leaves  ovate,  acutely  serrate ;  pe- 
duncles scabrous  ;  calyx  squanose,  undulate,  leafy,  ciliate  ;  rays  8. 

HAB.  Woods.  Aug.— Sept.  1\.  ;  stem  4 — 5  feet  high;  flowers 
small. 

H.  track elifolius  :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  serrate,  triply 
nerved,  very  scabrous  above  and  beneath;  scales  of  the  calyx  linear- 
lanceolate,  ciliate,  the  exterior  ones  longer. 


420  OYNANDRIA MONANDRIA. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.     Aug.— Sept.   QJ.;  stem  3 — i  feet  high;  j 

middle-sized. 

1 1  Upper  leaves  alternate. 

H.  giganteus :  leaves  alternate,  lanceolate,  serrate,  scabrous,  obscurely 
triply-nerved,  subsessile,  attenuate  at  each  end,  ciliate  at  the  base ; 
scales  of  the  calyx  lanceolate,  ciliate. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Aug. — Sept.  7J. ;  stem  5 — 6  feet  high,  sub- 
scab.  ;  pan.  loose,  few-jl. 

351.  RUDBECKIA. 

R.  purpurea :  scabrous ;  lower  leaves  broad-ovate,  narrowed  at  the 
base,  remotely  toothed;  cauline  ones  lanceolate-ovate,  nearly  en- 
tire, acuminate  at  each  end  ;  florets  of  the  ray  very  long,  deflexcd, 
bifid. 

HAB.    Mountains.     June — July,   QJ. ;  stem  4  feet  high  ;  Jl.  large- 
rays  purp.  ;   disk  brown. 

R.  laciniata :  lower  leaves  pinnate ;  segments  3-lobed ;  upper  ones 
ovate ;  pappus  crenate ;  stem  smooth. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Aug.  Ij. ;  stem  5 — 8  ft.  high  ;  lower  leaves  3- 
foliate  ;  Jl.  yell. 

352.  BIDENS.     Burr-marigold. 

B.  cernua :  flowers  subradiate,  cernuous ;  exterior  calyx  as  long  as 
the  flower ;  leaves  lanceolate,  subconnate,  dentate. 

HAB.  Ditches,  &c.  Aug.— Oct.  ©;  stem  1—2  feet  high;  rays 
yell.,  often  wanting. 

B.  chrysantliemoides :  flowers  radiate,  cernuous ;  rays  thrice  as  long 
as  the  nearly  equal  calyx ;  leaves  oblong,  attenuate  at  each  end,  den- 
tate, connate  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  Aug.— Oct.  <v) ;  stem  1 — 3  feet  high  ;  Jlowers 
large  ;  rays  8,  lanceol. 

B.  frondosa  :  flowers  discoid  ;  exterior  calyx  six  times  as  long  as  the 
flower ;  its  leaflets  ciliate  at  the  base  ;  lower  leaves  pinnate ;  upper 
ones  ternate,  lanceolate,  serrate. 

HAB.  Shady  wet  places.  Aug.  ® ;  stem  2  feet  high,  branch. . 
rays  0,  seeds  2-awned. 


GYNANDRIA. 
MONANDRIA. 


Genera. 


Anther  adnate,  subterminal,  and  persistent.  Pollinia  affix- 
ed by  the  base,  composed  of  angular  grains,  elastically  co- 
fitting. 


GYNANDRIA DODECANDRIA.  421 

353.  ORCHIS.     Corolla  ringent ;  upper  lip  vaulted ;  Zip  dilated,  with  a 
spur  beneath;  pollinia  2,  terminal,  adnate. 

354.  HABENARIA.     Corolla  ringent ;  Up  spurred  at  the  base  beneath ; 
glands  of  the  stalks  of  the  pollinia  naked  and  distinct ;  cells  of  the 
stalks  adnate,  or  separated. 

*  *  Anther    persistent,   parallel   with   the    stigma.      Pollinia    affixed 

to   the  summit  of  the  stigma,   composed   of  angular  grains,    or 
farinaceous. 

'355.  GOODYERA.  Corolla  ringent;  the  2  lower  petals  placed  be- 
neath the  gibbous  lip,  which  is  undivided  at  the  extremity ;  column 
free ;  pollen  angular. 

356.  NEOTTIA.     Corolla  ringent;  the  2  lower  petals  placed  beneath 
the  lip,  which  is  beardless  ;  interior  petals  connivent ;  column  apte- 
rous ;  pollen  farinaceous. 

357.  LISTERA.      Corolla  irregular;    lip  2-lobed,   pendent;    column 
apterous  ;  anther  fixed  by  the  base. 

*  *  *  Anther    terminal,    inserted,    persistent.      Pollinia   farinaceous 

or  angular,  affixed  by  the  base  or  below  the  extremity. 

358.  POGONIA.     Petals  5,  distinct,  without  glands;  lip  sessile,  cu- 
cullate,  internally  crested  ;  pollen  farinaceous. 

359.  CALOPOGON.      Petals  5,  distinct;  lip  behind,   (or  inverted,) 
unguiculate  ;  the  lamina  bearded  ;  column  free;  pollen  angular. 

360.  ARETHUSA.     Petals  5,  connate  at  the  base ;  lip  beneath  grow- 
ing to  the  column,  cucullate  above,  and  crested  internally. 

*  *   *  *   Anther   terminal,  moveable,    deciduous.      Pollinia  at   length 

becomes  waxy. 

361.  MALAXIS,     Petals  5,  narrower  than  the  lip,  spreading  or  deflex- 
ed ;  lip  flattened,  undivided,  sessile,  often  exterior ;  pollinia  4,  par- 
allel with  each  other,  fixed  to  the  stigma  by  their  extremities. 

362.  CORALLORHIZA.     Petals  equal  and  connivent;    lip  mostly 
produced  at  the  base ;  column  free ;  pollinia  4,  oblique,  (not  par- 
allel.) 

DIANDRIA. 

363.  CYPRIPEDIUM.    Lip  ventricose,  inflated,  saccate;  petals  4; 
the  under  one  bifid  ;  column  terminating  in  a  petaloid  lobe. 

DODECANDRIA. 


3(54.  ASARUM.  Calyx  subcampanulate,  3— 4-cleft;  corolla  0;  an- 
thers adnate  to  the  middle  of  the  filaments;  capsule  inferior,  6-celled, 
crowned  with  the  calyx. 


422  OYNANDRIA — MONANDRIA. 

GYNANDRIA. 

MONANDRIA. 
species.  353.  ORCHIS. 

O.  spectabilis :  lip  obovate,  undivided,  crenate,  retuse ;  petals  straight, 
the  lateral  ones  longer ;  horn  clavate,  shorter  than  the  germen  , 
bracts  longer  than  the  flower ;  stem  leafless. 

HAB.  Shady  rocks.  May — June,  1|.;  leaves  rad.,  large;  flowers 
large,  purple  and  white. 

0 1  tridentata :  lip  lanceolate,  3-toothed  at  the  extremity ;  petals  ob- 
tuse ;  horn  filiform,  clavate,  ascending,  longer  than  the  germen. 

HAB.  Swamps.  July,  ty;  stem  1 — 2  feet  high,  slender;  flower 
small,  gr. -white. 

354.   HABENARIA. 

H.  ciliaris :  lip  oblong-lanceolate,  pinnately  ciliate,  twice  as  long  as  the 

petals ;  horn  longer  than  the  germen. 
HAB.  Swamps.     Aug.   7J. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  spike  dense ;  flower 

bright  orange. 
H.  blcphariglottis :  lip  lanceolate,  ciliate,  as  long  as  the  upper  petal ; 

horn  much  longer  than  the  germen. 

HAB.  Swamps.     July.  Tj. ;  stem  2  feet  high  ;  flower  pure  white. 
H.   psycodes :  lip   3-parted ;  segments  finely   divided  ;  petals  obtuse ; 

horn  filiform-clavate,  ascending,  longer  than  the  germen. 
HAB.  Swamps.     July — Aug.   QJ.;  spike  long ;  flower  middle-sized, 

greenish-white. 
H.  bracteata:  lip  linear,  emarginate,  and  obscurely  3-toothed  at  the 

extremity;    petals  subconnivent ;    lateral  ones  ovate  and  broader; 

horn  obtuse,  scrotiform  ;  bracts  spreading,  twice  as  long  as  the  flow- 
er ;  leaves  subovate  or  oblong. 
HAB.     Shady  woods,  &c.     June,  % ;  stem  8—12  inches  high,  leafy ; 

spike  loose  ;  flower  green. 
H.  orbiculata :  lip  linear,  very  entire,  obtuse ;  the  three  upper  petals 

connivent ;  the  2  lateral  ones  spreading,  oblique  at  the  base ;  horn 

longer  than  the  germen;  scape  with  two  orbicular  leaves  at  the 

base. 
HAB.  Wet  meadows.     June,   Ij.;  scape  12 — 18  inches  high;  leaves 

very  large  ;  fl.  loose,  gr. -white. 
H.  flmbriata :  lip  3-parted,  scarcely  longer  than  the  petals  ;  segments 

cuneiform,  ciliately  fimbriate ;  lateral  petals  ovate,  fimbriate-toothed  5 

horn  filiform,  clavate,  longer  than  the  germen. 

HAB.  Meadows.     July,  Ij.;  stem  2  feet  high;  flower  large,  beauti- 
ful purple. 
H.  grandiflora :  lip  dependent,  twice  as  long  as  the  petals,  3-parted  •, 

segments  cuneiform,  fimbriate,  the  middle  one  largest,  with  the  fim- 

briae  connivent;    lateral  petals  fimbriate;    spur  ascending,  clavate, 

longer  than  the  germen  ;  leaves  oval  oblong. 
CIAB.  Wet  meadows.     June,  *2|. ;  stem  %  feet  high,  thick;  flower 

very  large,  pufplt. 


GYNANDRIA MONANDRIA.  423 


355.  GOODYERA. 

G.  pubescens  :  radical  leaves  ovate,  petiolate,  reticulate ;  scape  sheath- 
ed, and  with  the  flowers  pubescent ;  lip  ovate,  acuminate ;  petals 
ovate.  • 

HAB.  Woods.  July — August,  1]. ;  leaves  radical,  dark  green  with 
white  veins  ;  flower  white. 

356.  NEOTTIA.     Ladies'  tresses. 

N.  tortilis :  radical  leaves  linear ;  scape  sheathed  ;  flowers  spirally 
secund  ;  lip  somewhat  3-lobed,  the  middle  lobe  larger  and  crenu- 
late. 

HAB.  Meadows  and  woods.  July,  7|. ;  scape  slender,  1 2  inches  high  ; 
floioer  num.,  white  ;  root  fascic. 

b.  gracilis :  radical  leaves  ovate,  caducous,  mernbranaceous. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.     Scape  very  slender,  smooth. 

N.  cernua  :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  nerved ;  stem  sheathed ;  spike 
densely  flowered ;  flowers  recurved-drooping ;  lip  oblong,  entire, 
acute. 

HAB.  Boggy  grounds.  Aug.— Oct.  7J.;  stem  8  inches  high,  pubes- 
cent above  ;  flower  greenish-white. 

357.  LISTER  A.     Tway-blade. 

L.  cordata :  stem  with  only  2  opposite  roundish-cordate  leaves ;  raceme 
loose — column  without  an  appendage  behind ;  lip  elongate,  2-toothed 
at  base,  deeply  bifid ;  the  segments  subdivaricate  and  acute. 

HAB.  Sphagnous  swamps.  May,  1|. ;  stem  4 — 8  inches  high ;  ra- 
ceme 7 — \b-flowered  ;  flower  minute,  gr. -purple. 

358.  POGONIA. 


P.  ophioglossoides :  root  fibrous ;  scape  furnished  with  an  oval-lanceo- 
late leaf  and  a  foliaceous  bract  near  the  flower ;  lip  fimbriate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  July,  Tj-5  root  fascic.:  scape  I  foot  high  ;  flower 
solitary,  large,  purple. 

P.  verticillata  :  leaves  5,  oblong-lanceolate,  verticillate  ;  flower  solita- 
ry ;  the  three  exterior  petals  very  long,  linear ;  interior  shorter,  ob- 
long, obtuse ;  lip  3-lobed,  middle  segment  undulate. 

HAB.  Swamps.  July,  Ij.;  stem  8 — 12  inches  high;  leaves  term.' 
exterior  pet.  greenish-brown. 

359.  CALOPOGON. 

C.  pulchellus  :  radical  leaves  ensiform;  scape  few-flowered. 
HAB.  Swamps.     July,   7|_;  stem   1  foot  high;  flower  ?— 4,   largt 
purple  ;  root  bulb. 

37 


GYNANDRIA — DIANDR1A. 


360.  ARETHUSA. 


A.  hulbosa :  leafless ;  root  bulbous ;  scape  sheathed,  1-flowered. 
HAB.  Swamps.     June,  Tj. ;  stem  8 — 12  indies  high..  JLower  solitary, 
large,  purple. 

361.  MALAXIS. 


M.  liliifolia:  leaves  2,  ovate-lanceolate;  scape  triangular;  interior 
petals  filiform,  reflexed ;  lip  concave,  obovate,  acute  at  the  tip. 

HAB.  Woods  and  swamps.  June,  1J.;  leaves  large,  radical ;  scape 
6 — 10  inches  high  ;  Jlower  greenish-white. 

*  Subgenus.     MICROSTELIS. 

Lip  sessile  and  concave, .  erect,  the  summit  truncate  and  bidentate ; 
column  minute ;  antkers  2 ;  pollinia  3. 

M.  ophioglossoides :  leaf  solitary,  ovate,  amplexicaul ;  stem  pentag- 
onal. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June,  Tj. ;  stem  a  span  high,  with  one  leaf;  Jlower 
minute,  greenish-white. 

362.  CORALLORHIZA.     Dragon's  claw. 

C.  odontorrhiza :  lip  oval,  undivided,  obtuse,  spotted ;  spur  obsolete, 

adnate ;  capsule  subglobose. 
HAB.  Shady  woods.     Aug.— September,  Q ;    a  foot  high,  leajlesst 

sheathed ;  flower  purplish. 

DIANDRIA. 
363.  CYPRIPEDIUM.     Ladies'  slipper. 

C.  pubescens:  stem  leafy;  lobe  of  the  style  triangular-oblong,  obtuse j 

exterior  petals  ovate-oblong,  acuminate;  interior  very  long,  linear, 

contorted ;  lip  shorter  than  the  petals,  compressed. 
HAB.  Meadows  and  woods.     May — June,   *2J.;  stem  1 — 3  feet ;  fl. 

greenish-yellow,  spotted  ;   leaves  pubescent. 
C.  spectabile:  stein  leafy;  lobe  of  the  style  elliptical  cordate,  obtuse ; 

exterior  petals  broad-oval,  obtuse ;  lip  longer  than  the  petals,  cleft 

before. 
HAB.    Swamps.     June,*7J.;    stem  2 — 3  feet  high ;   2 — 3-Jlowered, 

thick  ;  lip  white  and  purple. 
C.  acaule  :  scape  leafless,  1-flowered;  radical  leaves  2,  oblong,  obtuse; 

lobf  of  the  style  roundish-rhomboidal,  acuminate,  deilexed ;  petals 

lanceolate  ;  lip  shorter  than  the  petals,  cleft  before. 
HAB.    Woods.     May— June,  Q|.;  scape  I  foot  high;  Jlower  very 

large  :  lip  purple. 


MONOF.CIA TETRANDRIA. 

DODECANDRIA. 

364.  ASARUM.     Indian  ginger. 

A.  canadense:  leaves  broad  reniform,  germinate ;  calyx  woolly,  deep- 
ly 3-parted ;  the  segments  sublanceolate,  reflexed. 

HAB.  Shady  rocks.  May — June,  T|_;  leaves  long-petiol.t  pubes.; 
Jlower  axillary,  pendul,  solit. 


Genera. 


MONOECIA. 
MONANDRIA. 


365.  CAULINA.     Sterile  Fl.     Perianth  0;   anther    sessile.     Fertile 
Fl.     Perianth   0 ;  style  filiform ;    stigma  bifid ;    capsule   1-seeded. 

366.  EUPHORBIA.     Involucrum  resembling  a  calyx,  ventricose,   the 
alternate  segments  (petals  L.  nectaries?}  petaloid.     Sterile  Fl.  12  or 
more,  mostly  simple,  each  consisting  of  an  anther  with  its  filament 
articulated  to  a  pedicel,  (coming  to  maturity  successively.)     Calyx 
and  corolla  very  rarely  present.     Fertile  Fl.  solitary,  central,  stipi 
tate.     Calyx  and  corolla  0  ;  styles  3,  2-cleft  ;  capsules  3-lobed. 

TRIANDRIA. 

367.  TYPHA.     Ament  cylindrical,  dense.     Sterile  Fl.     Perianth  0; 
stem.  3  together,  upon  a  chaffy  or  hairy  receptacle,  united   below 
into  1  filament.     Fertile  Fl.  below  the  sterile.     Perianth  0 ;  peri- 
carp pedicellate,  surrounded  with  a  hairy  pappus  at  the  base. 

368.  SPARGANIUM.     Ament  globose.     Sterile  Fl.      Cat.  3-leaved 
Fertile  Fl.  Col.  3-leaved  ;  drupe  dry,  1— 2-seeded. 

369.  CAREX.     Flowers  collected  into  an  imbricate  ament.     Glume  1- 
flowered.     Cor.  ventricose,  1-valved,  persistent,  including  the  cary- 
opsis. 

370.  TRIPSACUM.     Sterile  Fl.  Glume  2-flowered  ;  the  exterior  flower 
sterile,  the  interior  neuter.     Valve  of  the  cor.  membranaceous.    Fer- 
tile Fl.     Glume  2-flowered ;  exterior  valve  resembling   an  involu- 
crum,  perforate  near  the  base ;  cor.  2-valved  ;   styles  2 ;  seed  1. 

371.  COMPTONIA.     Sterile  Fl.    Ament  cylindric ;  scales  1-flowered ; 
cor.  0.     Fertile  Fl.     Ament  ovate ;  cal.  at  length  6-leaved ;  cor.  0 : 
styles  2 ;  nut  oval,  1-celled. 

TETRANDRIA. 

372.  EPJOCAULON.     Flowers  collected  into  a  compact  scaly  head. 
Sterile  Fl.  in  the  disk ;  perianth  single,  3-elefl ;  the  2  inner  seg- 
ments united  nearly  to  their  summit ;  stam.  4 — 6.     Fertile  Fl.  in 


426  MONOECIA POLYANDRIA. 

the  margin  ;  perianth  single,  deeply  4-parted ;   style  1 ;  stig.  2—3  • 
taps.  2 — 3-lobed,  2 — 3-celled;  cells  1 -seeded. 

373.  ALNUS.     Sterile  Fl.  Ament  composed  of  3-flowered,   cuneiform 
truncate  receptacles ;  cal.  the  scales  of  the  amcnt,  3-lobed ;  cor.   4- 
parted.     Fertile  Fl.  Scales  of  the  ament  2-flowered,  subtrifid;  cor.  0; 
seed  compressed,  wingless. 

374.  BOEHMERIA     Sterile  Fl.    Cal.   4-parted;   cor.  0;  nectary  0. 
Fertile  Fl.  Cal.  and  cor.  0;  seed  1,  compressed. 

375.  URT1CA.     Sterile  Fl.    Cal.  4-leaved;   cor.  0 ;  nectary  (abortive 
germen  1)  central,   mostly  cyathiform.     Fertile  Fl.   Cal.   2-leaved; 
pericarp  1-seeded,  shining. 

PENTANDRIA. 

376.  AMARANTHUS.     Sterile  Fl.     Cal  3— 5-leavcd  ;  cor.  0  ;  slam. 
3—5.     Fertile  Fl.     Cal.  3— 5-leaved ;  cor.  0 ;  styles  3 ;  caps.  1-celled, 
opening  transversely  all  round;  seed  1. 

377.  XANTHIUM.     Sterile  Fl.   Cal.  imbricate ;  anthers  approximate, 
but  not  united  ;  recept.  palaceous.     Fertile  Fl.     Calyx   a  2-leaved 
involucrum,  1-flowered  ;  cor.  0  ;  drupe  ?  dry,  muricate,  2-clefl ;  nut 
2-celled. 

378.  AMBROSIA.     Sterile  Fl.   Calyx  1-leaved  ;  anthers  approximate, 
but  not  united ;  recept.  naked.     Fertile  Fl.  Calyx  1-leaved,  entire  or 
5-toothed,  1-flowered ;  cor.  0 ;  nut  formed  from  the  indurated  calyx, 
1-seeded. 

HEXANDRIA. 

379.  ZIZANIA.     Sterile  Fl.     Calyx  0 ;  corolla  2-valved,   subawned. 
Fertile  Fl.  Calyx  0;  c.or.  2-valved,  cucullate,  awned:  style  2-parted ; 
seed  1,  invested  by  the  corolla. 

POLYANDRIA. 

380.  MYRIOPHYLLUM.     Sterile  Fl.     Calyx  4-cleft ;  petals  4,  cadu- 
cous ;  stem.  4,  6,  or  8.     Fertile  Fl.     Calyx  4-leaved  ;  petals  4 ;  stig. 
4,  pubescent;  styles  0;  nuts  4,  subglobose,  1-seeded. 

381.  SAGITTARIA.     Sterile  Fl.     Cal.   3-leaved ;  pet.   3;   stamens 
definite.     Fertile  Fl.  Calyx  5-leaved  ;  petals  3  ;  germens  numerous ; 
pericatfis  aggregated,  1-seeded,  not  opening. 

382.  Q.UERCUS.     Sterile  Fl.  in  a  loose  ament ;  calyx  mostly  5-cleft ; 
cor.  0 ;   slam  5 — 10.     Fertile  Fl.     Involucrum  cup-shaped,  scaly ; 
cal.  incorporated  with  the  germen,  6-lobed  ;   germen  3-celled ;  2  ot 
the  cells  abortive  ;  style  1  ;  stig.  3 — 5  ;   nut  (acorn)    1-celled,  coria- 
ceous, 1-seeded,  surrounded  at  the  base  by  the  enlarged  cup-shaped 
involucrum. 

383.  CORYLUS.     Sterile  Fl.  in  a  cylindrical  ament,  its  scales  3-clefl ; 
verianth  0 ;  stam.  8 ;  anth.   1-celled.     Fertile   Fl.     Cal.   obsolete ; 
germ,  several ;  stig.  2 ;  nut  ovate,  surrounded  with  the  enlarged 
coriaceous  and  scaly  involcurum. 

384.  FAGUS.     Sterile  Fl.  in  a  globose  ament ;  calyx  5 — 6-cleft,  cam- 
panulate  ;  stam.  5 — 12.     Fertile  Fl.  2.   Jnvolucrum  4-lobed,  prickly  ; 
cal.  single,  4 — 5-cleft  ;  styles  3  ;  wit   l-seeded,  inclosed  in  the  en- 
larged echinate  involucrum. 


MONOECIA MONADELPHIA.  1^7 

385.  CASTANEA.     Sterile  Fl.  in  a  long,  naked  cylindrical  ament; 
cat.  1-leaved,  6-cleft;  stam.  10—12.     Fertile  Fl.  3.    Involucrum  4- 
lobed,  thickly  muricate ;  cal.  5 — 6  lobed  ;   styles  G  ;   nut  mostly    ]  - 
seeded,  invested  with  the  enlarged  involucrum. 

386.  BETULA.  Sterile  Fl.  in  a  cylindrical  ament ;  scales  peltate,  3-flow- 
ered;  cal.  0;  cor.  0;  stam.  10—12.     Fertile  Fl.    Scales  of  the  ament 
3-flowered  ;  cal.  0;  cor.  0  ;  styles  2;  nuts  compressed,  with  a  broad - 
winged  margin,  1 -seeded. 

387.  CARPINUS.     Sterile  Fl.  in  a  cylindrical  ament;  scales  ciliate; 
stam.  about  10.     Fertile  Fl.  in  a  loose  ament ;  scales  large,  3-lobed, 
1 — 2  flowered  ;  cal.  3-cleft  ;  styles  2  ;  nut  ovate,  sulcate,  1-seeded. 

388.  OSTRYA.     Sterile  Fl.  in  a  cylindrical  ament ;  scales  1-flowered  ; 
cal.  0  ;  filaments  branched.     Fertile  Fl.     Ament  naked  ;  cal.  0  ;  cor. 
0  :  caps,  inflated,  imbricate,  1-seeded  at  the  base. 

389.  PLATANUS.     Flowers  in   globose  aments.     Sterile.     Cal.   0; 
cor.  minute;  anth.   adnate  to  the  filaments  from  the  base.     Fertile. 
Cal.  many-parted ;  cor.  0  ;  stig.  recurved ;  caps,  subclavate,  1-  seed- 
ed, mucronate  with   the  persistent  style;  base  surrounded   with  a 
hairy  pappus. 

390.  LIQJJIDAMBAR.     Sterile  Fl.  in  a  conic  ament,  surrounded  with 
a  4-leaved  involucium ;  cal.   and  cor.  0  ;  Jilam.  numerous.     Sterile 
Fl.     Ament  globose,  surrounded  with  a  4-leaved  involucrum ;  cal. 
1-leaved,  urceolate,  2-flowered  ;  styles  2 ;  caps.  2,  surrounded  by  the 
base  of  the  calyx,  1 -celled,  many-seeded. 

391.  JUGLANS.     Sterile  Fl.     Ament  imbricate;  the  scales  mostly  5- 
parted  ;   cal.  about  5-parted  ;  stam.  20—30.     Fertile  Fl.    Cal.  4-cleft, 
superior  ;  cor.  4-parted ;  styles   1 — 2  ;    drupe    partly   spongy  ;    nut 
rugose  and  irregularly  furrowed. 

J92.  GARY  A.  Sterile  Fl.  Amc.nl  imbricate;  scales  3-parted  ;  cal.  and 
cor.  0 ;  stam.  4 — 6.  Fertile  Fl.  Cal.  4-cleft,  superior ;  cor.  0 ;  styles 
0  ;  sf.ig.  subdiscoid,  4-lobed  ;  pericarp  4-valved ;  nut  subquadrangu- 
lar,  even. 

393.  ARUM.   Spaihe  1-leaved,  cucullate ;  cal.  and  cor.  0  ;  spadix  naked 
above,  bearing  sessile  anthers  below  the  middle,  and  germens  at  th 
base;  berry  1 -celled, many-seeded. 

J94.  LECONTIA.  S-pathe  convolute ;  calyx  and  cor.  0 ;  spadix  cov 
ered  with  flowers,  fertile  at  the  base,  sterile  above  ;  berry  1-seeded. 

395.  CALLA.     Spaihe  ovate,  somewhat  flattened  ;  spadix  covered  with 
flowers ;   barren  and   fertile  intermixed ;  calyx  and  cor.  0 ;  berry 
many-seeded. 

MONADELPHIA. 

396.  PINUS.     Sterile  PI.     Scales  peltate  ;  cal.  and  cor.  0 ;  anthers  2, 
sessile,  1-celled.     Fertile  Fl.  in  an  ovate  or  conical  strobile ;   scales 
closely  imbricate,  2-flowered  ;  cor.  0 ;  nut  winged,  covered  by  the 
scales  of  the  cones. 

397.  CUPRESSUS.     Sterile  Fl.  in  an  ovate  ament;  scales  peltate; 
cal.  and  cor.  0 ;  anth.  4,  sessile.    Fertile  Fl.  Strobile  with  the  scales 
peltate ;  cal.  and  cor.  0  ;  germens  4 — 8  under  each  of  the  strobile ; 
nuts  ano-ular,  compressed. 

398.  ACALYPHA.     Sterile  Fl.     Cal.  3— 4-parred  ;  cor.  0  ;  stam.  8— 
16.     Fertile  Fl.     Cal.  3-leaved ;  cor.  0 ;  styles  3  ;  caps.  3-celled  ;  seed 
\  in  each  cell 

37* 


428  MONOECIA TRIANDRIA. 

MONOECIA. 

MONANDRIA 
specie^.  365.  CAULINIA. 

C.  Jlexilis .  leaves  verticillate  by  sixes,  linear,  denticulate  at  the  extrem- 
ity, spreading. 

HAB.  Flowing  water.  Aug. — Sept.  1\. ;  stem  submerg.,  branch. ; 
fl.  axill.  sess. 

C.  fragilis:  leaves  by  threes,  or  opposite,  linear-subulate,  recurved, 
with  aculeate  dentures,  rigid. 

HAB.  Ditches,  &c.   Aug.     Stem  long,  brittle,  submer. 

366.  EUPHORBIA.     Spurge. 

E.  hypericifolia  :  smooth,  branched,  erect-spreading  ;  branches  divari- 
cate ;  leaves  opposite,  serrate,  oval-oblong,  subfalcate,  on  very  short 
petioles ;  corymbs  terminal  and  axillary. 

HAB.  Fields  and  dry  soils.  July— Aug.  <v> ;  very  smooth,  12 — 18 
in.  high  ;  leaves  spot, 

E.  maculata :  stem  procumbent ;  spreading  flat  on  the  ground,  much 
branched,  hairy  ;  leaves  opposite,  oval  or  oblong,  serrulate,  oblique  at 
the  base,  on  short  petioles,  smooth  above,  hairy  and  pale  beneath  , 
flowers  solitary,  axillary,  much  shorter  than  the  leaves. 

HAB.  Sandy  fields.  July— Oct.  <v>  ;  stem  6—12  in.  long  ;  flowers 
appearing  fascic. 

E.  poly goni folia :  procumbent,  divaricate,  very  smooth,  succulent ;  leaves 
oblong  and  linear-lanceolate,  entire,  obtuse  at  the  base,  sometimes  sub- 
cordate  ;  flowers  solitary  in  the  forks  of  the  stem  ;  stipules  simple. 

HAB.  Sea-shore.  June — July,  7J. ;  stem  8  in.  long  ;  stip.  subul. ;  Jl. 
minute. 

E.  dentata :  hairy  ;  leaves  opposite,  oval,  dentate ;  flowers  crowded  at 
the  summit  of  the  stem. 

HAB.     Shady  rocks.    July — Aug.  <D ;  upper  leaves  spotted. 

TRIANDRIA. 
367.  TYPHA.     Reed  mace. 

T.  latifolia :  leaves  linear ;  sterile  and  fertile  spikes  approximate  on 

the  same  rachis,  both  cylindrical. 
HAB.     Water.    June— July,   7|.;  culm 2 feet  high;  spikes  dense-, 

leaves  1  inch  broad. 

368.  SPARGANIUM.     Burr  reed. 

S.  ramosum  :  leaves  triangular  at  the  base,  their  sides  concave  ;  com 
mon  flower -stalk  branched ;  stigma  linear. 


MONOECIA TRIANDRIA.  429 

HAB.  Borders  of  lakes,  &c.     Aug.— Sept.  rl[;   2  feet  high;   leav. 

ens  if.,  long. 
S.   americanum :  lower  leaves  equal  with,  or  exceeding  the  stem,  which 

is  nearly  simple ;    floral  ones  concave  at  the  base  and  erect ;   stigma 

simple,  ovate-oblong,  oblique,  scarcely  more  than  half  the  length  of 

the  style. 
HAB.  Lakes.     Aug.  1\. ;   stem  12  in.  high;   lower  leaves  carinate  ; 

fertile  heads  2 — 5. 

369.  CAREX.     Sedge. 

Inflorescence  'monoecious. 

*  All  the  spikes  androgynous. 

t  Spike  solitary. 

a.  Summit  staminiferous. 

C.  polytrichoides  :   spike  simple ;    fruit  oblong-lanceolate,  compressed, 

triquetrous,  obtuse,  emarginate ;  glumes  oblong-obtuse,  mucronate. 
HAB.  Dry  hills  and  bogs.     May,  Tj. ;   culm  afoot  high,  very  slender 
-leaves  narrow-linear. 

b.  Summit  pistiliferous. 

C.  squarrosa  :  spike  mostly  simple,  (sometimes  spikes  2 — 3,)  very  thick, 
oblong-cylindrical ;  fruit  imbricate,  at  length  horizontal,  smooth,  sub- 
squarrose,  bidentate  at  the  point,  longer  than  the  lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Bogs.  June,  7j  ;  culm  2  feet  high  ;  spike  f  in.  long,  |  inch 
thick. 

*  *  Spikes  several,  aggregated  into  a  head. 

C.  cephalaphora :  spikes  collected  into  an  elliptical  head  ;  fruit  ovate, 
scabrous  on  the  margin  above,  about  equal  to  the  ovate  subaristate 


f'ume. 
B. 


HAB.  Hills.  May,  Ij. ;  culm  1— 2  feet  high,  cespit.,  wiry ;  heaa 
subtrifid. 

*  *  *  Spikes  distinct,  (not  aggregated  into  a  head.) 

a.  Summit  staminiferous. 

1.    With  2  stigmas 

C.  bromoides:  spikes  4 — 6,  alternate,  oblong,  erect,  uppermost  onu 
sterile  above,  the  rest  pistiliferous  or  androgynous  (sterile  above  and 
below ;)  fruit  erect,  lanceolate  acuminate,  scabrous,  nerved,  bifid, 
longer  than  the  ovate-lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Bogs.  May,  Tj.;  culm  12 — 18  inches  high,  slender;  spike, 
subdist.,  J  inch  long. 


430  MONOECIA riUANDRIA. 

C.  retroflexa  :  spikes  about  4,  subapproximate,  ovate,  rtie  lowest  one 
with  a  short  bract ;  fruit  ovate-lanceolate,  bidentate,  scabrous  on  the 
margin,  spreading  and  reflexed,  as  long  as  the  ovate  acute  glume. 

HAB.  Meadows,  &c.  May,  Tj. ;  culm  8—12  inches  liigk,  subhcx- 
ang.  ;  spike  3 — 4 — 5. 

C.  rosea  :  spikes  4 — 6,  remote,  about  9-flowered,  the  lowest  one  with 
a  setaceous  bract  overtopping  the  culm ;  fruit  ovate,  acuminate,  di- 
verging and  radiate,  scabrous  on  the  distinct  margin,  twice  as  long 
as  the  ovate  obtuse  glume. 

HAB.  Moist  woods,  &c.  May,  7J.;  culm  12  inches  high;  spikes  1 
inch  distant,  yell,  green. 

C.  dispenna  :  spikes  about  3,  rather  remote,  mostly  2-fiowered,  some- 
what erect,  the  lowest  one  bracteate ;  fruit  ovate,  rather  obtuse,  nerv- 
ed, plano-convex,  smooth,  with  a  scabrous  margin,  entire  at  the  point, 
twice  as  long  as  the  ovate,  obtuse,  submucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Mountain  woods.  May — June,  QJ. ;  culm  6 — 12  inches  his'h  ; 
fruit  small. 

C.  Muhlenbergii  :  spikes  about  5,  ovate,  crowded  at  the  summit  of 
the  culm,  bracteate  at  the  base  ;  fruit  broad  ovate,  compressed,  nerv- 
ed, bifid,  somewhat  diverging,  scabrous  on  the  margin,  rather  shorter 
than  the  ovate  mucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Woods.  May,  7J. ;  culm  1—2  feet  high;  plant  dark 
green. 

C.  stipata:  spike  compound,  oblong;  spikelets  numerous  (10 — 15,) 
oblong,  aggregated,  bracteate ;  bracts  a  little  longer  than  the  spike- 
lets  ;  fruit  lanceolate,  subterete  and  smooth  below,  spreading,  biden- 
tate at  the  point,  which  is  scabrous,  twice  as  long  as  the  glumes. 

HAB.  Swamps.  Apr.  7J. ;  culm  I— 3  feet  high,  thick,  small ;  spike 
crowded. 

C.  sparganioides :  spikelets  about  8,  many-flowered ;  upper  ones  ap- 
proximate, lower  ones  subdistant,  bracteate  ;  fruit  ovate,  compressed, 
acuminate,  bifid,  diverging,  scabrous  on  the  margin,  twice  as  long  as 
the  ovate,  mucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Meadows.  May,  1[.;  culm  2  feet  high  ;  2 — 4  lowest  spike 
remote. 

C.  multijlora:  spike  oblong,  decompound, bracteate,  interrupted;  spike- 
lets  glomerate,  ovate  oblong,  obtuse  ;  fruit  ovate,  acuminate,  com- 
Sressed,  crowded,  bifid,  3-nerved,  serrulate  on  the  margin,  at  length 
iverging,  rather  shorter  than  the  ovate  cuspidate  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May,  1\. ;  culm  2  feet  high,  obtusely  triang. 
— spike  subpanic. 

C.  setacea  :  spike  oblong,  decompound,  bracteate ;  spikelets  glomerate, 
ovate,  obtuse ;  fruit  ovate,  acuminate,  compressed,  bifid,  subdiverging, 
as  lon<r  as  the  ovate-lanceolate  awned  glume. 

HAB.  Meadows.  June — July,  7J. ;  culm  18 — 30  inches  high,  acutely 
triang.,  snlcate. 

C.  paniculata:  spike  decompound,  paniculate,  interrupted,  the  branch e« 
alternate  and  somewhat  remote  ;  fruit  ovate,  acuminate,  spreading, 
margined  above,  bifid. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May,  7J. ;  culm  18  inches  high;  spikes  not 
black  in  age. 

C.  teretiuscula  :  spike  decompound  or  paniculate,  dense,  subacute,  (often 
dioecious,  at  length  brown,)  spikelets  with  short  bracts  at  the  base ; 
fruit  ovate,  acuminate,  somewhat  gibbous  at  the  base,  bidentate,  cili- 
ate-serrulate  on  the  margin. 


MONOECIA TRIANDRIA.  431 

HAB.  Bogs.     May,  Ij.;  culm  18  inches  high;   spike  narrow;  fr. 

and  glume  brown. 

2.  With  3  stigmas. 

C.  pedunculata  :  spikes  about  4,  on  long  peduncles,  very  remove  ;  fruit 
obovate,  triquetrous,  obtuse,  smooth,  entire  at  the  orifice ;  glumes  ovate, 
mucronate,  (purple  and  green.) 

HAB.  Rocky  hills.  May,  7|_ ;  culmjllif.,  6  inches  high  ;  peduncles 
mostly  radical. 

b.   Summit pistiliferous. 
1.  With  2  stigmas. 

C.  arida  :  spikes  8,  (large)  subapproximate,  dry  ;  fruit  elliptical,  com- 
pressed, winged,  terete  in  the  middle,  acuminate  at  each  end,  diverg- 
ingly  bifid  ;  culm  leafy. 

HAB.  Meadows.  June,  7J. ;  culm  2 — 3  feet  high  ;  leaves  dark  gr.  ; 
spike  gray. 

C.  lagopodioides :  spikes  numerous,  (10 — 16,)  elliptic,  crowded  ;  bract 
beneath  the  lowest  overtopping  the  culm  ;  fruit  lanceolate,  acuminate, 
erect,  bicuspidate,  with  a  harrow  serrulate  margin,  twice  as  long  as 
the  ovate-lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.     May,  7].;    spikes  large,  at  first  subcylindric. 

C.  scoparia  :  spikelets  mostly  5,  (sometimes  6  or  7,)  ovate,  sessile,  ap- 
proximate, aggregate,  lowest  one  bracteate  ;  fruit  ovate-lanceolate, 
margined,  nerved,  smooth,  bicuspidate,  longer  than  the  lanceolate-acu- 
minate glurne. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May,  1]. ;  fruit  not  winged,  tawny  ichen 
mature. 

C.  straminea  :  spikes  about  5,  (4 — 7,)  roundish,  approximate,  with  short 
bracts  at  the  base  ;  fruit  roundish-ovate,  rostrate,  compressed,  broadly 
ovate,  bidentate,  serrulate,  longer  than  the  lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May,  7}. ;  a  foot  high  ;  spikes  yellowish ;  fr. 
acuminate. 

C.  fcenea  :  spikes  numerous,  (8 — 10,)  inferior  ones  distinct,  upper  ones 
aggregated  and  confluent;  fruit  ovate,  acuminated,  winged,  bidentate 
somewhat  longer  than  the  ovate  glume. 

HAB.  Marshes.  June,  '!{.;  culm  obtusely  triang.  ;  spikes  sub S'lobose  , 
glumes  rigid. 

C.  cristata  :  spikes  numerous,  (87-16,)  aggregated  into  a  kind  of  head  ; 
fruit  ovate-lanceolate,  winged,  diverging,  serrate,  longer  than  the 
ovate-lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  thickets.     June,  7|.;  spike  crowded  into  an  ovate  head. 

C.  festucacea  :  spikes  obovate,  (5 — 8,)  subapproximate,  bracteate  ;  fruit 
roundish-ovate,  rostrate,  bidentate,  winged,  serrulate  on  the  margin, 
longer  than  the  ovate-lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Woods  and  meadows.  May,  Tj- ;  fruit  green  or  silver-gray, 
not  becoming  tawny. 

C.  scirpoides  :  spikes  4.  ovate,  obtuse,  approximate,  uppermost  one  cla- 
vate  ;  fruit  ovate,  bidentate,  plano-convex,  erect  and  a  little  spreading, 
but  not  reflexed,  subcordate,  serrulate,  longer  than  the  ovate  obtuse 
glume. 

HAB.  Meadows.     May,  2J. ;   culm  6 — 12  inches  high,  strict ;  fr. 
not  reextd. 


MONOECIA TRIANDRIA. 

C.  curia :  spikes  about  6,  subremote,  somewhat  cylindric-ovate,  tumid, 
sessile  ;  fruit  short-ovate,  plano-convex,  rather  acute,  erect,  entire  at 
thn  point. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May,  Ij. ;  culm  nodding  at  the  end ;  glume 
whitish. 

C.  lenera ;  spikes  about  5,  obovate,  rather  remote,  sessile,  attenuate  at 
the  base,  the  lowest  bracteate ;  fruit  ovate,  compressed,  rostrate,  ser- 
rulate, longer  than  the  oblong-lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Moist  meadows.  May,  7J. ;  culm  15 — 30  inches  high ;  spike 
brownish.  (Is  it  C.  sterilis  ?) 

*  *  *  *    Terminal  spikes  androgynous  ;    the  rest  pistiliferous  ; 
stigmas  3. 

C.  vire.sce.ns :  spikes  3,  oblong,  erect ;  upper  one  pedunculate,  sterile 
below,  the  rest  fertile,  subsessile  and  bracteate ;  fruit  ovate,  obtuse, 
costate,  pubescent. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  May.  Culm  1 — 2  feet  high  ;  leaves  and  sheath 
pubes.  ;  plant  dull  preen. 

C.  hirsuta:  spikes  3,  erect,  approximate,  densely  fruited,  upper  one 
ovate-oblong,  on  a  short  peduncle ;  the  rest  ovate,  subsessile,  bracteate ; 
fruit  roundish-ovate,  nerved,  obtuse,  smooth,  orifice  entire,  longer  than 
the  ovate  acuminate  glumes  ;  leaves  and  sheaths  pubescent. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  May.  Culm  12 — 18  inches  high  ;  spike  thick , 
young  fr.  pubescent. 

C.  digitalis  :  spikes  mostly  4,  distant,  slender,  pedunculate,  loosely 
flowered,  nodding ;  uppermost  androgynous,  fertile  above ;  the  rest 
all  fertile  ;  fruit  oblong,  subtriquetrous,  obtuse,  smooth,  longer  than 
the  oblong  mucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Meadows.  May.  Culm  18  inches  high,  slender  ;  spike  Jilif. 
— plant  pale  green. 

C.  formosa  :  spikes  4,  oblong,  thick,  distant,  on  exsert  peduncles,  nod- 
ding, uppermost  one  sterile  at  the  base ;  fruit  oblong,  triquetrous, 
somewhat  inflated,  rather  acute  at  each  end  ;  orifice  nearly  entire  or 
2-lobed,  obscurely  nerved,  twice  as  long  as  the  ovate  acute  glume. 

HAB.  Meadows.  Culm  12—18  inches  high  ;  leaves  often  subpubes.  ; 
plant  yellowish- green. 

*****  Staminiferous  and  pistiliferous  spikes  distinct. 
t  Staminiferous  spike  solitary. 

1.  With  2  stigmas. 

C.  aurea :  fertile  spikes  mostly  3,  oblong,  loose  flowered,  subpendu- 
lous,  rather  approximate,  lower  ones  pedunculate  ;  fruit  obovatp  or 
pyriform,  obtuse,  nerved,  entire  at  the  orifice,  longer  than  the  ovate 
acute  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  rocks.  May — June.  Culm  3 — 10  inches  high,  subprocumb. 
— -fruit  dark  orange. 

2.  With  3  stigmas. 

%  Pistiliferous  spikes  sessile,  or  with  the  peduncles  inclosed. 
C.   varia :  fertile  spikes  2 — 3,  approximate,  few-flowered,  ovate,  sub- 


ftl  )NOECIA TRIANDRIA. 

cessiie;  sterile  spike  sessile,  (or  on  a  short  peduncle;)  fruit  subglobose, 
acuminate,  bifid,  obtusely  triangular,  hispidly  pubescent,  as  long  as 
the  ovate  acuminate  glume. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  April.  CulmQ — 12  inches  high,  JHif.;fr.ven- 
tricose. 

C.  marginata :  sterile  spike  pedunculate ;  feitile  spikes  mostly  2,  ajj- 
proximate,  subglobose,  subsessile;  fruit  globose,  woolly,  bidentate. 
longer  than  the  ovate-oblong  glume. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  April.  8— -12  inches  high;  sterile  spike  sub tri- 
gon. ;  glume  margined. 

C.  vestita :  sterile  spike  mostly  solitary  (rarely  geminate,  with  the  up- 
per one  elongate,)  pedunculate,  cylindrical-oblong ;  fertile  2,  ovate-ob- 
long, sessile,  subapproximate,  sometimes  sterile  at  the  summit ;  fruit 
ovate,  subtriquetrous,  nerved,  with  a  short  rostrum,  pubescent,  rather 
longer  than  the  ovate  mucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  sandy  soil.  June.  Culm  2  feet  high;  glume  brown ; 
fr.  bidentate. 

C.  pubescens :  sterile  spike  subsessile;  fertile  3,  oblong,  erect,  rather 
loosely  flowered,  the  lowest  on  a  short  peduncle  ;  fruit  ovate,  trique- 
trous, rostrate,  pubescent,  orifice  nearly  entire,  as  long  as  the  ovate 
mucronate  glume ;  leaves  and  culm  pubescent. 

HAB.  Woods.  May.  Culm  12 — 18  inches  high,  erect  or  subdecum. ; 
leaves  pale  green. 

C.  Jlava :  sterile  spike  on  a  short  peduncle ;  fertile  mostly  3,  ovate,  sub- 
approximate,  (the  lowest  rather  remote,)  on  short  included  peduncles  ; 
fruit  ovate,  densely  imbricate,  bidentate,  with  a  curved  and  reflexed 
rostrum,  shorter  than  the  ovate-lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Highland  meadows.  Culm  12 — 14  inches  high,  (sometimes  3— 
4 ;)  plant  yellowish. 

C.  tentaculata :  fertile  spikes  2— 3,  (rarely  4,)  sessile,  ovate  or  ovate- 
cylindrical,  approximate,  horizontal ;  bracts  very  long,  fruit  ovate,  ven- 
tricose,  nerved,  with  a  very  long  rostrum,  orifice  bidentate,  longer  than 
the  lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May — June.  Culm  12 — 18  inches  high 
spike  very  large,  thick. 

C.  lupulina:  sterile  spike  on  a  short  peduncle,  (rarely  geminate;)  fer- 
tile 3,  subsessile,  ovate-oblong,  erect,  approximate ;  bracts  very  long 
and  leafy  ;  fruit  ovate,  irtflexed,  nerved,  long-rostrate,  bicuspidate, 
much  longer  than  the  ovate  glume. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June.  Culm  2 — 3  feet  high,  thick  and  leafy  ;  spike 
very  thick. 

b.  polystachia :  fertile  spikes  5,  oblong-cylindric,  lowest  one  remote,  on 
a  long  peduncle. 

HAB.  "Swamps.      Culm  2  feet  high;  spike  2 — 3  inches  long. 

C.  folliculata:  sterile  spike  pedunculate;  fertile  2,  (often  solitary,) 
roundish  approximate,  few-flowered,  upper  one  sessile,  lower  one  short 
peduncle ;  bracts  leafy ;  fruit  ovate,  acuminate-rostrate,  ovate,  reflexed 
and  diverging,  bicuspidate. 

HAB .  Swamps.  June.  Culm  18  ir.  ches  high  ;  spike  6 — l()-Jlowered , 
pi.  dark  green. 

%  §  Pistiliferous  spikes  on  exsert  peduncles,  partly  sheathed  at 
the  base. 

C.  plantaginea :  fertile  spikes  mostly  4,  on  peduncles  scarcely  exserted, 


434  MONOECIA TKIANDJHA. 

loosely-flowered ;  fruit  oblong-cuneiform,  triquetrous,  recurved  at  the 
apex ;  culm  sheathed  at  the  base ;  sheaths  of  the  culm  all  leafless, 
(colored ;)  leaves  broad. 

HAB.  Mountain  woods.  April— May.  Culm  8—12  inches  high, 
leafless  ;  sheath  purple. 

C.  anceps:  fertile  spikes  mostly  3,  remote,  subcylindric,  loosely-flowered, 
lower  ones  pedunculate ;  fruit  ovate,  triangular,  acute,  striate,  narrow- 
ed at  the  base,  orifice  obscurely  bidentate,  about  as  long  as  the  ovate 
cuspidate  glume. 

HAB.  Woods.  April— May.  Culm  12—14  inches  high;  hycmal 
leaves  very  broad. 

C.  tetanica  :  sterile  spike  long-pedunculate ;  fertile  2 — 3,  remote,  rather 
densely  flowered,  upper  one  subsessile,  lowest  on  a  long  peduncle; 
fruit  ovate-oblong,  acute  at  each  end,  nerved,  subgibbous  at  the  sum- 
mit, oblique  orifice  entire,  longer  than  the  ovate  mucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Moist  meadows.  May.  Culm  12  inches  high  ;  sjrikes  very 
remote ;  fr.  subterete. 

C.  laxijlora:  sterile  spike  subsessile;  fertile  mostly  3,  rather  loose,  re- 
mote, pedunculate,  erect ;  fruit  ovate-oblong,  ventricose,  obtuse,  some- 
what shining,  longer  than  the  ovate  cuspidate  glume. 

HAB.  Woods  and  meadows.  May.  Culm  12 — 18  inches  high  ;  fr. 
inflated  ichen  mature. 

C.  gramdaris :  sterile  sessile  or  short  pedunculate ;  fertile  mostly  3,  re- 
mote, cylindrical,  dense ;  uppermost  subsessile,  lowest  on  a  long  pe- 
duncle ;  fruit  globose-ovate,  nerved,  orifice  entire ;  rostrum  very  short 
and  recurved. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May.  Culm  \%  inches  high;  leaves  subglauc.  ; 
spikes  cylind.,  thick. 

C.Jlexuosa:  fertile  spikes  4,  remote,  filiform,  on  nodding  peduncles; 
fruit  distant,  alternate,  oblong,  acute  at  each  end,  rostrate,  bifid,  twice 
as  lonj  as  the  ovate-mucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Meadows.  June.  Culm  18 — 24  inches  high,  spike  2  inches 
long;  rach.  Jlex. 

§  §  §  Pistiliferous  spikes  on  long  peduncles,  nearly  destitute 
of  sheaths. 

C.  miliacea :  fertile  spikes  3,  slender  and  cylindrical,  nodding,  slender 
and  filiform  ;  fruit  ovate,  triangular,  without  nerves,  slightly  rostrate, 
orifice  entire,  as  long  as  the  ovate-lanceolate  glume. 

HAB.  Moist  meadows.  Culm  12 — 15 inches  high;  spike  subapprox., 
1 — 2  inches  long,  green. 

C.  pallescens:  fertile  spikes  2 — 3,  ovate-cylindrical,  dense,  at  length 
somewhat  nodding ;  fruit  obovate-oblong,  obtuse ;  sheaths  and  culm 
pubescent. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May.  Culm  12  inches  high ;  fertile  spike 
mostly  3,  thick,  pale  green. 

C.  hystericina:  sterile  spike  pedunculate;  fertile  2 — 3,  thick,  at  length 
cernuous,  upper  one  inclusely  pedunculate,  the  rest  on  exsert  pedun- 
cles— fruit  ovate,  inflated,  subhorizontal,  many-nerved,  rostrate,  orifice 
bifid,  twice  as  long  as  the  oblong  awned  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May.  Culm  12 — 18  inches  high  ;  fert.  spike 
1  inch  Ion g  ;  plant  yellowish-green. 

C.  Pseudo-cyperus :    fertile  spikes  4,  cylindrical,  pedunculate,  uppei 


MONOEC1A TRIANDFIA.  4H5 

ones  subgennnate ;  fruit  oblong-lanceolate,  rostrate,  reflexed,  many- 
nerved,  apex  divaricately  bifid. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June.  Culm  2 — 3  feet  high,  thick  ;  spikes  2  inches 
long,  dense. 

t  t  Staminiferous  spikes  2  or  more. 

1.  With  2  stigmas. 

C.  cespitosa:  sterile  spike  subsolitary  (or  geminate;)  fertile  mostly  3, 
cylindrical,  obtuse,  distant,  the  lower  on  a  short  exsert  peduncle ;  bracts 
strict ;  fruit  ovate,  somewhat  acute,  densely  fruited  in  about  8  rows, 
orifice  minute ;  longer  than  the  ovate  (black  and  margined)  glume  ; 
leaves  spreading. 

HAB.  Mountain  bogs.  Culm  12 — 18  inches  high  ;  leaves  dark  green  ; 
fr.  gr.,  nerveless. 

C.  crinita :  sterile  spikes  germinate,  (sometimes  androgynous ;)  fertile 
4,  distant,  pendulous,  cylindrical,  dense  ;  fruit  roundish-ovate,  ventri- 
cose,  slightly  rostrate,  orifice  entire,  much  shorter  than  the  linear 
glume. 

HAB.  Swamps.  June.  Culm  2 — 4  feet  high;  leaves  pale  green  ; 
spike  2 — 3  inches  long. 

C.  acuta:  sterile  spikes  1 — 3;  fertile  mostly  3,  subpeduiiculate,  some- 
what nodding,  cylindrical,  remote ;  fruit  oblong,  entire  at  the  orifice, 
as  long  as  the  oblong  acute  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  Culm  2  feet  high,  sharply  triquetr. ;  glume 
br. ;  fr.  nerveless. 

2.  With  3  stigmas. 

C.  vesicaria :  sterile  spikes  3 ;  fertile  mostly  2.  pedunculate,  cylindrical ; 
fruit  oblong,  inflated,  acuminate-rostrate,  bicuspidate,  longer  than  the 
lanceolate  glume ;  culm  acutely  triquetrous. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May.  Culm  2  feet  high  ;  spike  dense,  2 — 3 
in.  long. 

C.  pdlita  :  sterile  spikes  2,  oblong;  fertile  2,  cylindrical,  remote,  erect, 
upper  one  sessile ;  fruit  ovate,  subtiiquetrous,  short  rostrate,  hairy,  bi- 
cuspidate, equal  to  the  gblong  awned  glume. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  May.  Culm  2|  feet  high;  leaveg  subrigid, 
flat. 

C.  lacustris :  sterile  spikes  about  4  ;  fertile  2 — 3,  erect,  oblong-cylin- 
drical, short  pedunculate;  fruit  oblong,  many-nerved,  subrostrate, 
smooth,  bifurcate,  somewhat  longer  than  the  oblong  mucronate  glume. 

HAB.  Deep  swamps.  June.  Culm  3 — 5  feet  high,  leaves  broad  ;fr. 
brown. 

370.  TRIPSACUM.      Sesame  grass. 

T.  dactyloides :  spikes  numerous,  (3 — 4,)  aggregate ;  florets  sterile  near 

the  summit,  fertile  at  the  base. 
HAB.  Sea-side.     Aug.   7].;  culm  5 — 7  feet  high;  spik,  large;  site. 

long,  pur  p. 

b.  monostachyon  :  spike  solitary. 
HAB.  With  the  preceding. 
38 


436  MONOECIA TETRANDRIA. 


371.  COMPTONIA.     Sweet  fern. 

C.  asplenifolia. 

HAB.  Woods.  May.  Shrub  2 — 3  feet  high;  aromatic;  /ear.  lobed- 
pinnat. 

TETRANDRIA. 

372.  ERIOCAULON.     Pipewort. 

E.  pellucidum :  scape  slender,  about  7-furrowed ;  leaves  linear-subulate, 
canaliculate,  smooth,  pellucid,  5-nerved,  transversely  striate ;  head 
small,  globose  ;  scales  of  the  involucrum  oval,  obtuse. 

HAB.  Water.  June,  If.;  scape  4 — Gin.  high;  leaves  rod.,  cesp.;Jl. 
white. 

373.  ALNUS.     Alder. 

A.  serrulata:  leaves  obovate,  acuminate,  with  the  veins  of  their  axils 
hairy  underneath ;  stipules  elliptical,  obtuse. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  March — April.  Shrub  8 — 15  feet  high,  much 
branch. 

374.  BOEHMERIA. 

B.  cylindrica :  leaves  opposite,  ovate-oblong,  acuminate,  dentate,  smooth ; 
flowers  dioecious  ;  sterile  spikes  glomerate,  interrupted ;  fertile  cylin- 
drical ;  stem  herbaceous. 

HAB.  Shady  swamps.  July — Aug.  Ij. ;  stem  slender,  2  feet  high  ; 
leaves  petiol.  ;  Jl.  minute. 

375.  URTICA.     Nettle. 

U.  pumila :  leaves  opposite,  ovate,  acuminate,  3-nerved,  serrate,  inferi- 
or petioles  as  long  as  the  leaves ;  flowers  monoecious,  triandrous,  in 
corymbed  heads,  shorter  than  the  petioles. 

HAB.  Wet  places.  July — Aug.  ©  ;  stem  succulent,  semitranspa- 
rent ;  leaves  shining. 

U.  dioica:  leaves  opposite,  cordate,  ovate-lanceolate,  coarsely  serrate; 
flowers  dioecious ;  spikes  paniculate,  clustered  by  pairs,  longer  than 
the  petiole. 

HAB.  Road-sides,  &c.  May,  1\. ;  stem  2—3  feet  high,  erect ;  fl. 
small,  green  ;  plant  stinging. — §. 

U.  divaricata  :  leaves  alternate,  ovate,  acuminate,  rather  smooth ;  peti- 
oles long,  ciliate ;  panicles  axillary,  solitary,  much  branched  and  di- 
varicate, longer  than  the  petiole ;  stem  stinging. 

HAB.  Damp  rocky  places.  July— Aug.  Tj. ;  "stem  2—3  feet  high, 
branch.  ;  leaves  not  cordate. 

U.  canadensis :  loaves  cordate-ovate,  acuminate-serrate,  hispid  on  both 
sides ;  panicles  axillary,  generally  by  pairs,  much  branched  and  di- 


MONOECIA POLYANDRIA.  437 

varicate,  inferior  ones  sterile  and  longer  than  the  petiole,  u^iper  ones 
fertile,  elongate,  stem  very  hispid,  stinging. 

HAB.  Shady  rocks.  Aug.— Sept.  7J. ;  stem  4—6  feet  high,  fibres 
tough. 

PENTANDRIA. 
376.     AMARANTHUS. 

k.  hybridus :  flowers  pentandrous ;  racemes  decompound,  erect,  crowd- 
ed ;  leaves  ovate-lanceolate. 

HAB.  Waste  grounds.  Aug.  ®  j  stem  2 — 3  ft.  high  ;  racem.  large, 
thick.— §. 

377.  XANTHIUM.     Clot-weed. 

X.  strumarium  :  stem  unarmed,  branching ;  leaves  cordate,  lobed,  une- 
qually serrate,  scabrous,  3-nerved  ;  fruit  elliptical,  armed  with  unci- 
nate  rigid  bristles  ;  horns  straight,  spreading. 

HAB.  Old  fields,  &c.  Sept.  fv) ;  stem  2— 3  feet  high ;  leaves  large ; 
ft.  axill. 

378.  AMBROSIA.     Hog-weed. 

A.,  trifida  :  hairy,  rough  ;  leaves  3-lobed,  serrate,  with  oval-lanceolate 
acuminate  lobes  ;  fruit  6-spincd  below  the  summit. 

HAB.  Alongdiches,  &c.  Sept.  ©  ;  stem  4 — 6  feet  high;  leaves 
very  large  ;  spik.  long,  axill.  and  term. 

A .  elatior  :  leaves  bipinnatifid,  nearly  smooth ;  petioles  ciliate ;  ra- 
cemes terminal,  paniculate ;  stem  virgate. 

HAB.  Fields.  Sept.  <v> ;  stem  1 — 3  feet  high,  pubes.  when  young  ; 
seg.  ofleav.  acute. 

HEXANDR1A. 
379.  ZIZANIA.     Wild  rice. 

Z.    aquatica  :   panicle  pyramidal,   divaricate  and  sterile  at  the  base, 
spiked  and  fertile  above  ;  pedicels  of  the  flower  clavate ;    awns  long 
seed  linear. 

HAB.  In  water.  Aug.  _1|.;  culm  4 — 8  feet  high,  thick;  leav.  broad 
lin. :  ft.  decid. 

~ 

POLYANDRIA. 

380.  MYRIOPHYLLUM.     Water  milfoil. 

M.  spicatum  :   sterile  flowers  in  interrupted  leafless  spiked  whorlb 


438  MONOECIA POLYANDRIA. 

HAB.  In  water.     Aug. —  Sept.  1].;   stem  slend.,  branch.  ;  leaves  ver* 

ticil,  by  fours)  finely  pectin. 
M.  verticillatum  :   leaves  pinnate,  capillary,  upper  ones  pectinate-pu> 

natifid  ;   flowers  axillary,  verticillate,  upper  ones  sterile,  octamlrous. 
HAB    In  water.     July,  %\  floating  ;  upper  fl.  sometimes  perfect. 

381.  SAGITTARIA.     Arrow-head. 

S.  sagittifolia :  leaves  sagittate,  acute  ;  lobes  acute,  straight,  lanceo- 
late. 

a.  latifolia:   leaves  broad-ovate,  rather  obtuse;   lobes  ovate,  slightly 
acuminate,  straight. 

b.  hastata :   leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  acute ;   lobes  spreading,  lanceo- 
late, long-acuminate  ;    flowers  mostly  dioecious. 

g.  gracilis :  leaves  linear ;  lobes  much  spreading,  linear,  very  long  and 
acute. 

d.  pubescent  :  leaves  and  stem  pubescent ;  bracts  and  calyx  very  pu- 
bescent. 

HAB.  Ponds,  &c.  July,  TJ.;  leaves  large  ;  scape  1 — 2  ft.  long  ;  Jl. 
large,  wh.,  verticil,  in  threes. 

S.  obtusa  :  leaves- sagittate,  dilated-ovate,  rounded  at  the  extremity,  mu- 
cronate;  lobes  approximate,  oblong,  obliquely  acuminate,  straight; 
flowers  dioecious  ;  sterile  scape  branched  at  the  base. 

HAB.  Ponds.  July,  Ij.;  leaves  large  ;  sap  milky,  affording  gum  ; 
Jl.wh. 

S.  heteropkylla  :  leaves  simple,  linear  and  lanceolate,  acute  at  each  ex- 
tremity, or  elliptical  and  sagittate,  with  the  lobes  linear  and  divari- 
cate; scape  simple,  few-flowered;  flowers  monoecious,  the  fertile 
subsessile. 

HAB.  Ponds.     July,  If.;    scape  1  ft.  high  ;  leaves  rarely  sagitt. 

S.  simplex  :  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  acute,  narrowed  towards  the  base; 
scape  simple,  many-flowered  ;  flowers  dioecious. 

HAB.  Muddy  banks,  &c.  Aug.  'ZJ. ;  scape  8 — 15  in.  high  ;  leaves 
not  rigid  ;  Jl.  small. 

S.  acutifolia:  leaves  subulate,  sheathed  at  the  base,  convex  on  the 
back ;  scape  simple,  few-flowered,  longer  than  the  leaves ;  flowers 
monoecions. 

HAB.  Muddy  shores.  Aug.  1\. ;  scape  6  in.  high  ;  flowers  pedunc. ; 
stam.  13—15. 

382.  QUERCUS.     Oak. 

*  Fructification  biennial  ;  leaves  setaceously  mucronate. 

GL  tinctoria:   leaves  ovate-oblong,  slightly  lobcd,  pubescent  beneath  ; 

lobes  oblong,  obtuse,  mucronate  ;   cup  flat ;  acorn  depressed-globose. 
HAB.  Woods.     A  large  tree  ;    bark  rough,  blackish. 
GL.   discolor :    leaves   oblong,   pinnatifid-sinuate,   pubescent  beneath ; 

lobes  oblong-dentate,  setaceously  mucronate ;   cup  turbinate,  acorn 

ovate. 
HAB.   Upland   forests.     A  large  tree  ;  young  leaves  downy  on  both 

sides. 
d.  coccinea :   leaves  long-petiolate,   oblong,   deeply  sinuate,  smooth  ; 

lobes  divaricate,  dentate,  acute,  setaceously  mucronate ;  cup  turbinate, 

scaly ;   acorn  short-ovate. 


MONOECIA POLYANDRIA*  439 

H  .\  rt    Woods.     A   *a?getree;  Leaves  bright  g^een  ;    -rup  nn</>  r>-r>n.. 

?calcs. 
U.-   rubra :  leaves  long-petiolate,  smooth,  obtusely  sinuate  ;   lobes  rathe; 

acute,  dentate,  setaceously  mucronate ;  cup  flat,  nearly  smooth ;  acorn 

subovate. 
HAB,    Woods.     A  large  tree ;  leaves  bright  green;   sinuses  large, 

rounded. 
Q,.  palustris  :   leaves  on  long  petioles,  oblong,  deeply  sinuate,  smooth  ; 

axils  of  the  veins  villous  beneath  ;   lobes  divaricate,  dentate,  acute. 

setaceously  mucronate  ;  cup  flat,  smooth  ;  acorn  subglobose. 
HAB.  Wet  woods.  A  large  tree  ;  acorns  small,  abundant. 
d.  bannisteri :  leaves  on  long  petioles,  obovate,  cuneiform,  3 — 5-lobed, 

entire  on  the  margin,  grayish-tomentose  beneath  ;   lobes  setaceously 

mucronate  ;  cup  subturbinate  ;    acorn  subglobose. 
HAB.  Sandy  fields  and  mountains.     Shrub  4 — 6  feet  high;  a\irns 

abundant. 

*  *  Fructification  annual  ;  fruit  pedunculate  ;    leaves  awnless. 

Q,.  alba  :  leaves  oblong,  pinnatifid-sinuate,  pale  or  pubescent  beneath  ; 
lobes  oblong,  obtuse,  mostly  entire;  cup  deep,  tuberculate,  acorn  ovate. 

HAB.  Woods.  A  very  large  tree  ;  barkichite;  leaves  pub es.  beneath 
when  young. 

d.  prinus  :  leaves  on  long  petioles,  obovate,  acute,  pubescent  beneath, 
coarsely  toothed ;  teeth  unequal,  dilated,  callous  at  the  tip  ;  cup  deep, 
attenuate  at  the  base  ;  acorn  ovate. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.     A  large  tree. 

Q,.  bicolor  :  leaves  on  short  petioles,  oblong-obovate,  whitish  tomentose 
beneath,  coarsely  toothed,  entire  at  the  base,  teeth  unequal,  dilated, 
rather  acute,  callous  at  the  tip  ;  fruit  in  pairs  on  long  peduncles  ;  cup 
hemispherical ;  acorn  oblong-ovate. 

HAB.  Woods.  A  large  tree  ;  pedunc.  long  and  slender  ;  acorn  pu- 
bescent. 

Qi.  montana  :  leaves  on  petioles  of  middling  length,  broad-obovate,  ob- 
long, white-tomentose  beneath,  shining  above,  coarsely  toothed,  ob- 
tuse and  unequal  at  the  base  ;  teeth  subequal,  very  obtuse ;  fruit  in 
pairs,  on  short  peduncles  ;  cup  hemispherical ;  scales  tuberculate  and 
rugose  ;  acorn  ovate. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods  and  mountain  sides.  A  large  tree  ;  fr.  middle- 
sized. 

Q,.  castanea:  leaves  on  long  peduncles,  oblong-lanceolate,  obtuse  at 
the  base,  acuminate,  tomentose  beneath,  coarsely  toothed ;  teeth  sub- 
equal,  dilated,  obtuse ;  cup  hemispherical ;  acorn  ovate-subglobose. 

HAB.   Rocky  and  mountain  woods.  A  large  tree  ;fr.  on  short  pedunc. 

Qi.  chinquapin  :  leaves  on  short  petioles,  obovate,  acute  at  the  base, 
coarsely  toothed,  glaucous  beneath  ;  teeth  subequal,  dilated,  callous  at 
the  tip ;  cup  hemispherical ;  acorn  ovate. 

HAB.  Barren  woods.     A  shrub,  3 — 4  feet  high;   acorns  small,  nu- 


383.  CORYLUS.     Hazlermt. 

C.  am.ericana  :  leaves  roundish,  cordate,  acuminate ;  involucrum  round- 
ish-campanulate,  larger  than  the  subglobose  nut,  border  dilated,  coarse- 
ly serrate. 

38* 


440 


MONOECIA POLYANDR1A. 


HAB.  Fields  and  woods.     April.     A  shrub,  3 — 5  ft.  high ;  nuts  large, 

edible. 
C.  rostrata  :  leaves  oblong-ovate,  acuminate ;  stipules  linear-lanceolate ; 

involucrum  campanulate-tubular,  longer  than  the  nut,  two-parted,  with 

dentate  segments. 
HAB.  Rocky  woods.     May.     A  shrub,  2 — 3  feet  high  ;  involuc.  with  a 

long  rostrum. 

384.  FAGUS.     Beech. 

E.  ferruginea :  leaves  ovate-oblong,  acuminate,  pubescent  beneath,  cili- 
ate  on  the  margin,  coarsely  toothed,  obtuse  at  the  base  and  unequally 
subcordate  ;  nut  ovate,  acutely  triangular,  very  acute. 

HAB.  Woods.  A  large  tree;  bark  smooth;  fruit  muricate;  leave* 
ribbed. 

385.  CASTANEA.     Chestnut. 

C.  vesca  b.  americana:  leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate,  mucronately  ser- 
rate, smooth  on  both  sides. 

HAB.  Woods.  June.  A  large  tree  ;  trunk  straight;  leaves  large; 
sterile  spike  Jiliform. 

386.  BETULA.     Birch. 

B.  populifolia :  leaves  deltoid,  long-acuminate,  unequally  serrate,  very 
smooth  ;  petioles  smooth ;  strobile  pedunculate ;  scales  with  roundish- 
lateral  lobes. 

HAB.  Rocky  Woods  and  mountains.  May.  A  small  or  middle-sized 
tree. 

B.  excclsa  :  leaves  ovate,  acute,  serrate ;  petioles  pubescent,  shorter  than 
the  peduncle ;  strobile  ovate,  erect ;  scales  with  rounded  lateral  lobes. 

HAB.  Woods.  A  large  tree  ;  bark  smooth  and  yellowish,  somewhat 
fragrant. 

B.  nigra :  leaves  rhombic-ovate,  doubly  serrate,  acute,  pubescent  beneath, 
entire  at  the  base;  strobile  ovate;  scales  villous,  with  the  segments 
linear  and  equal. 

HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.     A  middle-sized  tree  ;   leaves  acutely  serrate. 

B.  papyracea :  leaves  ovate,  acuminate,  doubly  serrate,  ttae  veins  be- 
neath hairy  ;  peduncles  smooth ;  strobile  nodding,  pedunculate  ;  scales 
with  the  lateral  lobes  short  and  suborbicular. 

HAB.  Woods.  A  large  tree  ;  cuticle  tough,  composed  of  numerous 
membranaceous  layers. 

B.  lenta  :  leaves  cordate-ovate,  sharply  serrate,  acuminate ;  xiprves  be- 
neath and  the  petioles  hairy ;  strobile  erect ;  scales  smooth,  U\e  lobea 
equal  and  obtuse,  with  elevated  veins. 

HAB.  W\>ods.   A  large  tree;   bark  aromatic;  branchlets  darlc, 

387.  CARPINUS.     Hornbeam. 

ericana ; 

.rith  3-D? 

side. 


(J.   americana :   leaves  oblong-ovate,  acuminate,  unequally  serrate ,   stro- 
bile with  3-parted  scales,  the  middle  segment  oblique,  toothed  OP  or  e 


MONOECIA POLYANDRIA.  441 

HAB.  Woods.  May.  A  small  tree ;  fertile  aments  loose ;  scales  fo- 
liaceous. 

388.  OSTRYA.     Hop  hornbeam. 

0.  virginica :  leaves  ovate-oblong,  cordate  at  the  base,  acuminate,  une- 
qually serrate ;  strobile  oblong-ovate,  erect ;  buds  acute. 
HAB.     Woods.     A  small  tree ;  cones  large,  resembling  hops. 

389.  PLATANUS.     Buttonwood. 

P.  occidentalis :  leaves  lobed  angular ;  branches  whitish. 
HAB.     Woods.    A  very  large  tree ;  leaves  very  broad  ;  aments  glob., 
pendulous. 

390.  LIQUIDAMBAR.     Gum-tree. 

L.  styraciflua  :  leaves  palmately  lobed ;  lobes  acuminate,  serrate,  with 

the  sinuses  at  the  base  of  veins  villous. 
HAB.     Woods.     A  large  tree ;  leaves  5-lobed,  cordate,  dark  green. 

391.  JUGLANS.     Walnut. 

J.  cinerea  :  leaflets  numerous,  lanceolate,  serrate,  rounded  at  the  base, 
soft-pubescent  beneath ;  petioles  villous ;  fruit  oblong-ovate,  with  a 
terminal  projection,  viscid  and  hairy  ;  nut  oblong,  acuminate,  deeply 
and  irregularly  sculptured. 

HAB.  Woods.  A  large  tree ;  leaflets  15— 17 ;  fruit  very  viscid  ; 
nut  edible. 

392.  CARYA.     Hickory. 

C.  alba :  leaves  5 — 7,  on  long  petioles,  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate, 
sharply  serrate,  villous  beneath,  the  odd  one  sessile ;  aments  filiform, 
smooth  ;  fruit  depressed-globose  ;  nut  compressed. 

HAB  Woods.  A  large  tree  with  scaly  bark  ;  fruit  large  ;  nut  white, 
thin  shelled. 

C.  sulcata  :  leaflets  generally  9,  obovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  serrate, 
pubescent  beneath,  the  odd  one  subsessile  and  attenuate  at  the  base  ; 
fruit  roundish,  4-angled  ;  nut  subglobose,  slightly  compressed,  conspic- 
uously mucronate. 

HAB.  Mountain  woods.  A  large  tree ;  nuts  large,  with  very  thick 
pericarps. 

C.  porcina:  leaflets  7,  ovate-lanceolate,  acuminate,  serrate,  smooth  on 
both  sides  ;  fruit  oblong  or  o'bcordate  ;  nut  smooth,  very  hard. 

HAB.     Woods.  A  large  tiee  ;  leaflets  5 — 7  ;  nuts  small,  very  bitter. 

393.  ARUM.     Indian  Turnip. 

A.  triphyllum :  stemless ;  leaves  ternate  ;  leaflets  ovate,  acuminate,  very 
entire ;  spadix  clavate  ;  spathe  ovate,  acuminate,  convolute  below,  fla» 
and  bent  above. 


442  MONOECIA MONADELPHIA. 

HAB.  Wet  shady  places.  May— June,  Tj. ;  root  tubular,  ac*~ul  > 
ypath.  green  or  purple  ;  berry  red. 

394.  LECONTIA. 

L.  virginica. 

HAB.  Swamps.    July,  Tj. ;  leaves  petiolat*,  oblong,  hastate-cordate, 

with  the  lobes  obtuse ;  spathe  lanceolate,  involute  ;  border  undulate ; 

spadix  slender. 

395.  CALLA.  Water  arum. 

C.  palustris :  leaves  cordate ;  spathe  flat ;  spadix  covered  with  perfect 

flowers. 
HAB.     In  water.     July,  7|_ ;  root  thick,  creeping ;  leaves  acuminate  ; 

spathe  oval,  white  inj&ide. 

MONADELPHIA. 

396.     PINUS.     Pine. 

*  Leaves  solitary,  distinct  at  the  base.     ABIES. 

P.  canadensis :  leaves  solitary,  flat,  denticulate,  nearly  in  two  rows ; 

cones  ovate,  terminal,  scarcely  longer  than  the  leaves. 
HAB.     Rocky  woods  and  mountains.     A  large  tree  ;  branches  and 

leaves  horizontal ;  leaves  linear,  obtuse. 
P.  nigra :  leaves  solitary,  quadrangular,  erect,  straight ;  cones  ovate  ; 

scales  elliptical,  undulate  on  the  margin,  erect,  summit  denticulate. 
HAB.     Mountain  swamps.    A  middle-sized  tree  ;  leaves  dense,  dark 

green ;  cones  1 — 2  inches  long. 

*  *  Leaves  2 — 5,  in  a  short  cylindrical  sheath.     PINUS. 

P.  rigida  :  leaves  by  threes,  with  short  sheaths ;  sterile  aments  erect- 
incumbent  ;  cones  ovate,  scattered  or  clustered ;  spines  of  the  scales 
reflexed. 

HAB.  Barren  sandy  soils.  A  large  tree ;  bark  thick  and  rough ;  cones 
large. 

P.  Strobus :  leaves  by  fives,  slender  ;  sheaths  very  short ;  cones  pendu- 
lous, cylindrical,  longer  than  the  leaves  ;  scales  loose. 

HAB.  Fertile  soil.  A  very  large  tree ;  leaves  very  delicate  ;  cones 
3  inches  long. 

*  *  *  Leaves  fasciculate,  (deciduous.)     LARIX. 

P.  mtcroMrpa  :  cones  roundish,  few-flowered  ;  scales  inflexed ;  bracts 

elliptic,  obtusely  acuminate. 
HAB.     Swamps  and  low  grounds.     A  pretty  large  tree     scales  red^ 

brown,  or  white. 


DIOECIA PENTANDRTA.  443 


397.  OUPRESSUS. 

C.  thuy aides :  branchlets  ancipitous  ;  leaves  imbricate  in  4  rows,  ovate, 
tuberculate  at  the  base ;  cones  subspherical,  angular. 

HAB.  Swamps.  A  large  tree ;  leaves  minute,  perennial ;  cones  very 
small. 

398.  ACALYPHA.     Three-seeded  mercury. 

A.  virginica  :  pubescent ;  leaves  on  short  petioles,  lanceolate-oblong, 
serrate  ;  involucrum  cordate,  ovate,  dentate,  axillary,  nerved,  dentate, 

HAB.  Dry  gravelly  soil.  Aug.  @  ;  stem,  8 — 15  inches  high,  erect} 
pubescent ;  invol.  subsessile. 


(Genera. 


DIOECIA. 
DIANDRIA. 


#9.  SALIX.  Stam.  PI.  Ament  cylindric;  scales  1-flowered,  imbricate, 
with  a  nectariferous  gland  at  the  base ;  calyx  and  corolla  0 ;  stamens 
1 — 5.  Fertile  Fl.  Scales  of  the  ament  1-flowered  ;  calyx  and  corolla 
0;  stigma  2,  mostly  bifid;  capsule  1-celled,  2-valved,  many-seeded; 
seeds  comose. 

400.  FRAXINUS.     Calyx  0,   or  3— 4-cleft;  corolla  0,  or  4-petaled; 
stamens  2  ;  capsules  2-celled,  2-seeded,  compressed  and  foliaceous  at 
the  extremity  ;  seeds  solitary,  pendulous.     Polygamous. 

TETRANDRIA. 

401.  MYRICA.     Ament  ovate-oblong;  scales  lunulate.     Stam.   PI. — 
stam.  4—6 ;  anthers  4-valved.     Fertile.     Germen  1  ;  stig.  2 ;  drupe. 
1-celled,  1-seeded. 

PENTANDRIA. 

402.  NYSSA.  Perfect  Fl.  Calyx  5-parted;  corolla  0;  pistil  I]  drupe 
inferior;  nut  1-seeded.     Sterile.     Stamen  5,  8,  10,  or  12,  inserted 
around  a  peltate  gland. 

403.  ZANTHOXYLUM.     Stam.  Fl.     Calyx  5-parted ;  corolla  0 ; 
stam.  3—5—6.     Fertile.     Capsule  3 — 5  celled,  each  1-seeded. 

404.  ACNTDA.  Stam.  Fl.     Calyx  5-parted  ;   corolla  0.     Fertile,     Ca- 
lyx 3-parted ;  corolla  0;  styles  0  ;  stis.  8,  sessile  ;  capsule   1 -seeded. 

405.  STIMULUS.     Stam  Fl.     Calyx  5-leaved ;  anthers  with  2  pores  at 
the  extremity  ;   corolla  Q.     Fertile.     Calyx  1  -leaved,  large,  persistent, 
concave,  entire;  corolla  0;  styles %\  seed  1. 


444  DIOECIA DIANDRIA. 


HEXANDRIA. 

406.  SMILAX.     Stam.  Fl.     Calyx  6-leaved ;   corolla,  0 ;  anthers  ad- 
nate  to  the  filaments.     Fertile.  Style  minute;  stig.  3 ;  berry  3-cdled, 
superior,  1,  2,  or  3-seeded. 

OCTANDRIA. 

407.  POPULUS.      Aments  cylindrical;  scales  lacerated.     Sterile   PL 
Slam.  8—30,  seated  on  a  turbinate,  oblique,   entire  calyx.     Fertile. 
Calyx  turbinate ;  stigma  4 ;  capsule  superior,  2-celled,  2-valved,  many- 
seeded  ;  seeds  surrounded  with  long  hairs. 

POLYANDRIA. 

408.  MENISPERMUM.     Sterile  Fl.     Ozfy:r2-bracted,  about  6-leaved 
caducous  ;  pet.  6 — 9,  glandular,  minute,  and  retuse ;  stamens  16 — 24 ; 
anth.  adnate  to  the  filaments,  4-lobed,  2-celled.     Fertile.     Germens 
and  styles  3 — 6 ;    drupes  mostly  solitary,  1  -seeded ;  nut  lunate,  com- 
pressed. 

MONAD  ELPHIA. 

409.  JUNIPERUS.     Sterile  PL     Ament  ovate ;  scales  verticillate,  pel- 
tate; anth.  4 — 8,   1 -celled.     Fertile.     Ament  globose]  scales  3,  co- 
adunate ;  stigma  gaping ;  berry  with  3  bony    1-seeded  nuts,   sur- 
rounded with  the  united  and  fleshy  scales. 

410.  TAXUS.     Flowers  surrounded  with  numerous  scales.     Sterile  Fl. 
Stam.  8— 10 ;  anthers  peltate.     Fertile.     Style  0 ;  stig.  concave  j 
drupe  fleshy,  open  at  the  extremity ;  nut  1-seeded. 


DIOECIA. 
DIANDRIA. 

species.  399.  SALIX.     Willow. 

S.  Muhlenbergiana :  leaves  lanceolate,  rather  acute,  nearly  entire,  whit- 
ish, pubescent,  rugose,  and  veiny  beneath,  revolute  on  the  margin  ; 
stipules  deciduous,  lanceolate  ;  scales  oblong,  villous  on  the  margin ; 
germen  ovate-lanceolate,  silky-villous,  on  a  conspicuous  pedicel ;  style 
short ;  stigma  bifid. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  April.  ShrubZ—  5feethigh;  branch,.,  gr.  yell. ; 
anther  purple  and  yellow. 


DIOECIA DIANDRIA.  445 

S.  recurvata :  leaves  obovate-lanceolate,  acute,  very  entire,  smooth,  glau- 
cous beneath,  silky  when  young ;  stipules  0  ;  aments  recurved  ;'  scales 
black  at  the  tip,  with  hairs  as  long  as  the  ovate,  silky,  and  subpedicel- 
late  germen ;  style  very  short ;  stigmas  bifid. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.  Shrub  % — 3  feet  high  ;  branch,  brown,  smooth; 
buds  yellow. 

S.  conifera  :  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  remotely  serrate,  acute,  smooth 
above,  tomentose  beneath;  stipules  lunate,  subdentate  ;  scales  lanceo- 
late, obtuse,  villous  ;  germens  pedicellate,  lanceolate,  silky  ;  style  bifid 
— stigmas  2-lobed. 

HAB.  Low  thickets.  April.  Shrub  4 — 8  feet  high  ;  frequently  with 
excrescences  on  the  branches. 

*  *  *  Leaves  closely  and  acutely  serrate. 

S.  nigra  :  leaves  lanceolate,  acute  at  each  end,  serrulate,  green  on  both 
sides,  smooth,  except  the  petiole  and  the  midrib  above ;  stipules  den- 
tate ;  aments  cylindric  ;  scales  oblong,  very  villous ;  filaments  3 — 6, 
bearded  at  the  base;  germens  pedicellate,  ovate,  smooth;  style  very 
short ;  stigmas  bifid. 

HAB.  Banks  of  rivers.  May.  A  small  tree;  branches  smooth  ;  first 
leaves  pubescent ;  aments  long. 

S.  lucida  :  leaves  ovate-lanceolate,  long-acuminate,  rounded  at  the  base, 
serrate,  smooth  on  both  sides,  shining ;  stipules  oblong,  serrate ;  aments 
triandrous  ;  scales  lanceolate,  obtuse,  hairy  at  the  base,  serrate  and 
smooth  at  the  tip ;  germens  lanceolate-subulate,  smooth  ;  style  bifid ; 
stigmas  obtuse. 

HAB.  Swamps.  May.  A  small  tree;  leaves  thick;  branch,  yellow- 
brown  ;  aments  late. 

S.  cordata :  leaves  oblong-lanceolate,  acuminate,  cordate  at  the  base, 
acutely  serrate,  smooth  ;  stipules  large,  ovate-roundish,  serrate  ;  sta- 
mens 3  ;  scales  lanceolate,  (black ;)  germens  pedicellate,  lanceolate, 
smooth  ;  style  very  short ;  stigmas  bifid. 

HAB.  Swamps.  April— May.  A  shrub  6 — 8  feet  high;  leaves  large, 
1  inch  broad. 

S.  grisea:  leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate,  serrulate,  smooth  above,  silky 
or  naked  beneath ;  stipules  linear,  deflexed,  deciduous ;  scales  oblong, 
hairy,  black  at  the  tip ;  germens  oblong,  pedicellate,  silky ;  stigmas 
sessile,  obtuse. 

HAB.  Low  bushy  places.  April.  Shrub  6— 8  feet  high;  branches 
purple,  brittle  at  base. 

S.  vildlina:  leaves  lanceolate,  acuminate,  with  thickened  serratures, 
smooth  above,  paler  and  somewhat  silky  beneath ;  stipules  0 ;  amenta 
cylindrical,  scales  ovate-lanceolate,  pubescent  outside  ;  germens  sessile, 
ovate-lanceolate  ;  stigmas  subsessile,  2-lobcd. 

HAB.  Roadsides,  &c.  May.  A  pretty  large  tree;  bark  and  twigs 
yellow. — §. 

400.  FRAXINUS.     Ash. 

P.  sambucifolia :  leaflets  sessile,  ovate-lanceolate,  serrate,  rugose  and 
shining ;  base  rounded  and  unequal ;  axils  of  the  veins  villous  be- 
neath ;  flowers  naked. 

HAB.  River  banks  and  woods.  April.  A  large  tree  ;  buds  deep  blue  ; 
-jonns  shoots  dotted,  green. 


446  DIOECIA PENTANDRIA. 

F.  acuminata :  leaflets  petiolate,  oblong,  shining,  acuminate,  very  entire, 
or  slightly  toothed,  glaucous  beneath  ;  flowers  calyculate. 

HAB.  Woods.  May.  A  large  tree  ;  first  leaves  downy ;  summer 
leaves  green  above,  white  beneath. 

TRIANDRIA. 
401.  MYRICA.     Gale. 

M.  Gale :  leaves  lanceolate,  broader  above,  serrate  ;  sterile  ament  imbri- 
cated ;  scales  acuminate,  ciliate  ;  fruit  scaly  capitate. 

HAB.  Borders  of  ponds  and  about  mountain  lakes.  May.  Shrub  3 — 
4ft.  high  ;  fruit  spicy. 

M.  cerifera:  leaves  cuneate-lanceolate,  with  a  few  serratures  at  top^ 
acute ;  sterile  aments  loose ;  scales  acute ;  fruit  spherical,  naked,  dis- 
tinct. 

HAB.  Dry  woods  and  copses.  May.  Shrub  2—  6  feet  high ;  fruii 
small,  covered  with  wax. 

PENTANDRIA. 
402.  NYSSA.     Tupelo. 

N.  villosa:  leaves  oblong,  very  entire,  acute  at  each  end,  the  petiole,  mid 
rib,  and  margin  villous ;  fertile  peduncles  3 — 6-flowered  ;  nut  short  ob 
ovate,  obtusely  striate. 

HAB.  Low  woods.  June.  A  large  tree  ;  branches  horizontal ;  flow- 
er  small,  green  ;  drupe  dark  blue. 

403.  ZANTHOXYLUM.     Tooth-ach  tree. 

Z.  fraxineum :  prickly ;  leaves  pinnate ;  leaflets  oval-lanceolate,  suben- 
tire,  sessile,  equal  at  the  base ;  petioles  unarmed  ;  umbels  axillary. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  April.  Shrub  3 — 5  feet  high  ;  prickles  strong  , 
leajlets  4 — 5  pairs. 

404.  ACNIDA.     Wild-hemp. 

A.  cannabina:  leaves  ovate-lanceolate;  capsules  smooth,  acutely  an- 
gled. 

HAB.  Salt  marshes.  July — Aug.  <v)  ;  stem  2 — 4  feet  high,  smooth 
leaves  alternate  ;  Jlower  small,  green. 

405.  HUMULUS.     Hop. 

H.  L/upulus. 

HAB.  Hedges,  &c.  Aug.  1\. ;  stem  twin,  scabrous ;  leaves  opposite 
?>—  -i)-ivuf.dt  rough;  Jlower  green. 


DIOECIA MONADELPHIA.  447 

HEXANDRIA. 
406.  SMILAX.     Rough  bind-weed. 

S,  rotundifolia :  stem  prickly,  subterete ;  leaves  unarmed,  roundish 
ovate,  short-acuminate ;  cordate,  5 — 7-nerved  ;  berries  spherical. 

HAB.  Hedges,  &c.  June.  Stem,  climb. ;  branch.,  quadrang. ,  berries 
black ;  Jl.  umbel. 

S.  psduncularis  :  stem  terete,  climbing ;  leaves  ovate,  nearly  round,  cor- 
date, acuminate,  9-nerved ;  umbels  on  very  long  peduncles. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  June.  Stem  climb,  by  tendrils,  5— 8  feet  high; 
leaves  smooth  ;  Jl.  fetid. 

OCTANDRIA. 
407.  POPULUS.     Poplar. 

P.   t remuloides :  leaves   roundish,   abruptly   acuminate,   dentate-serrate, 

pubescent  on  the  margin. 
HAB.    Woods.     April.     A   middle-sized   tree;    bark  smooth;   leaves 

thin,  rather  small. 
P.   grandidentata :   leaves  roundish-ovate,  acute,  with   large,  unequal, 

sinuate  teeth ;  younger  ones  villous. 
HAB.  Woods.     April.     A  middle-sized  tree  ;   young  leaves  doicny. 

POLYANDRIA. 
408.  MENISPERMUM.     Moon-seed. 

M.  canadense:  leaves  peltate,  cordate,  rounded-angular ;  racemes  com- 
pound ;  petals  8. 

HAB.  Woods  and  hedges.  July,  'Zj- ;  climbing  ;  petiol.  long  ;  racem. 
axill.  ;  Jl.  small,  yell. 

MONADELPHIA. 
409.   JUNIPERIS.     Juniper. 

J.    communis :  leaves  ternate,  spreading,  mucronate,  longer  than  the 

berry. 

5.    depressa:   stems  prostrate. 
HAB.    Dry   woods.    April — May.    A  low  spreading    shrub;  leaves 

shining  above,  glauc.  beneath. 
J.   virginiana :  upper  leaves  imbricate  in  four  rows,  ovate-lanceolate, 

pungently  acute,  appressed;   young  ones  acerose  expanding;    trunk 

arboreous. 

39 


448  CRYPTOGAMIA FILICES. 

HAB.  Dry  rocky  places.  April.  A  small  tree  ;  leaves  sometimes  ter- 
nate  ;  berry  small ,  blue. 

T.  prnstrata  :  leaves  imbricate  in  four  rows,  ovate,  submucronate,  gland- 
ular in  the  middle,  appressed ;  berries  tubercular ;  stem  prostrate, 
creeping. 

HAB.  Gravelly  shores.  A  shrub  with  very  long  creeping  branches ; 
berries  longer  than  No.  2. 

410.  TAXUS.     Yew. 


T.  canadensls :  leaves  linear,  disticnous,  revolute  on  the  margin  ;  sterile 

receptacle  globose. 
HAB.  Shady  rocks.     April.    Shrub  evergreen,  2 — 4  feet  high  ;  berries 

red. 


CRYPTOGAMIA. 
FILICES. 


Oenera. 


*  Capsules  furnished  with  an  articulated  elastic  ring,  transversely 
opening. 

411.  POLYPODIUM.      Sori  (small   clusters  of  capsules)  rouixh'sh, 
scattered.     Involucrum  0. 

412.  HYPOPELTIS.     Sori  roundish,  having  a  cup-shaped   involu- 
crum  beneath,  divided  into  5 — 6  irregular  segments.     Capsules  ses- 
sile. 

413.  ASPIDIUM.     Sori  roundish  or  elliptical,  scattered.    Involucrum 
umbilicate,  or  opening  on  one  side. 

414.  ASPLENIUM.     Sori  linear,  straight,  more  or  less  transverse.  In- 
volucrum arising  from  the  lateral  veins,  and  opening  towards  the 
central  nerve  or  rib. 

415.  PTERIS.     Sori  in  a  continued  marginal  line.     Involucrum  form- 
ed of  the  inflexed  margin  of  the  frond,  opening  inwards. 

416.  ADIANTUM.     Sori  oblong  or  roundish.     Involucra  membrana- 
ceous,  arising  from  distinct  portions  of  the  frond  turned  in,  opening 
inwards. 

417.  ONOCLEA.   Sori  indeterminate.     Capsules  covering  the  whole 
lower  surface  of  the  frond.     Involucrum  resembling  a  berry,  formed 
of  the  frond,  opening,  but  not  expanding. 

*  *  Capsules  destitute  of  a  ring,  vascular-reticulate,  pellucid,  ra- 
diate at  the  tip,  and  substriate,  longitudinally  (and  often  externally) 
opening. 

418.  OSMUNDA.     Capsules  subglobose,  pedicellate,  striate,  half-bival- 
ved,  paniculate.     Involucntm  0. 


<  UYPTOGAMIA FILICES.  449 

*  *  *  Capsules  destitute  of  a  ring,  adnate  at  the  base,  subglobo&e,  coria- 
aceoiis,  opake,  not  cellular,  semibivalved. 

419.  OPHIOGLOSSUM.     Capsules  naked,  upon  an  articulated  dia- 
tichous  spike,  transversely  opening,  2-valved. 

420.  BOTRYCHIUM.     Capsules  subglobose,  adnate  to  the  rachis  of 
the  compound  spike,  distinct,  naked.  1-celled ;  valves  2,  connected 
behind,  transversely  opening. 

LYCOPODINEJE. 

421.  LYCOPODIUM.     Capsules  1-celled,  axillary,  sessile;  some  of 
them  2-valved,  filled  with  a  farinaceous  substance ;  others  3-valved, 
containing  from  1 — 6  globose  corpuscules. 

EQUISETACEJE. 

422.  EGlUISETUM.      Fructification  terminal,  spiked,  consisting  of 
peltate  polygonous  scales,  on  the  under  side  of  which  are  from  5 — 7 
follicular  involucra  opening  longitudinally  on  the  inside.     Sporae  in- 
cluded in  the  involucrum,  numerous,  (green,)  globose,  with  4  fila- 
ments at  the  base  which  are  dilated  at  the  extremity. 


CRYPTOGAMIA. 
FILICES. 

Species.  411.    POLYPODIUM. 

P.  vulgare :  fronds  deeply  pinnatifid ;  segments  linear-lanceolate,  ob- 
tuse, crenulate,  approximate  ;  the  upper  ones  gradually  smaller ;  cau- 
dex  chaffy;  stipe  smooth. 

HAB.  Shady  rocks.  July.  Fronds  8 — 12  in.  high,  smooth  ;  segments, 
3 — 4  lin.  broad,  somewhat  curved. 

P.  hexagonopterum  :  fronds  bipinnatifid,  rather  smooth,  circumference 
triangular,  two  of  the  lower  divisions  deflexed  ;  segments  lanceolate, 
obtuse,  ciliate,  the  upper  ones  very  entire,  the  lower  ones  incisely  cre- 
nate ;  the  lowest  adnate-decurrent ;  sori  minute,  solitary  ;  stipe  smooth. 

HAB.  Moist  woods.  Aug.  Fronds  12  in.  high,  very  broad ;  divi- 
sions acuminate,  separate. 

412.  HYPOPELTIS. 

H.  obtusa. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  Aug.  Fronds  8 — 14  in.  high,  biplnnate  :  di- 
visions subr emote ;  segments  oblong,  the  lower  ones  crenate-dentate  f 
rachis  pubes.  above ;  sori  subconftuent. 


450  CRYPTOGAMIA FILICE9. 


413.  ASPIDIUM.     Shield-fern. 

*  Involucrum  subumbilicate  or  reniform,  attacked  near  the  centre  of  ike 
sorus  and  opening  on  all  sides. 

t  Fronds  simply  pinnate. 

A.  acrostichoides :  fronds  pinnate  ;  segments  lanceolate,  falcate,  acute, 
ciliate-serrulate,  auriculate  on  one  side,  at  the  base  subsessile,  only  the 
upper  ones  fructiferous  ;  sori  at  length  confluent ;  stipe  chaffy. 

HAB.  Shady  rocks.  Fronds  15 — 18  in.  high ;  seg.  1  inch  long  ; 
fructiferous  ones  smaller. 

1 1  Frond  subbipinnate. 

A.  noveboracense :  frond  pinnate,  the  divisions  pinnatifid,  linear-lan- 
ceolate ;  segments  oblong,  obtuse,  entire,  ciliate ;  sori  marginal ;  stipe 
nearly  smooth. 

HAB.  Damp  woods.  July.  Frond  1 — 2  feet  high ;  seg.  mostly  ob- 
tuse, pubes.  beneath. 

A.  t.hclypteris :  frond  pinnate ;  the  divisions  pinnatifid,  linear-lanceolate, 
distinct  at  the  base ;  segments  ovate,  acute,  entire ;  sori  marginal,  con- 
tiguous, at  length  confluent. 

HAB.  Wet  woods  and  swamps.  Frond  afoot  and  a  half  high.  Dis- 
tinct from  the  preceding  1 

A.  cristatum^:  b.  lancastriense :  frond  lanceolate-ovate,  smooth,  pin- 
nate; divisions  subcordate,  pinnatifid  ;  segments  triangular-oblong, 
spinulose-serrate ;  stipe  nearly  naked. 

1 1 1  Frond  doubly  and  triply  pinnate. 

A.  marginale .  frond  bipinnate ;  segments  oblong,  obtuse,  decurrent, 

crenate,  sinuate-repand  at  the  base ;  sori  marginal  ;  stipe  paleaceous. 
HAB.     Rocky  places.  July.  Frond  18  in.  high,  very  smooth  ;  invol. 

large,  umbilicate. 
A.  d'datn.tum :  fronds  bipinnate ;  divisions  oblong ;    distinct,  incisely 

pinnatifid  ;  segments  mucronately  serrate  ;  stipe  chaffy  ;   involucrum 

smooth. 
HAB.  Shady  woods.    July.   Frond  broad,  2  feet  high ;  stipe  slightly 

chaffy. 

*  *  Involucrum  oblong,  opening  on  one  side. 

A.  asplenioides :  frond  bipinnate ;  segments  lanceolate,  incisely  ser- 
rate ;  serratures  2 — 3-toothed  ;  sori  oblong,  lunate. 

HAB.  Moist  woods.  %feet  high ;  frond  smooth ;  sori  at  length  sub- 
confluent. 

*  *  *  Involucrum  hemispherical,  bursting  at  the  top. 

A.  punctilobulum  :  frond  bipinnate,  oblong ;  divisions  oblong,  pinnati- 
fid ;  segments  with  the  superior  margin  incisely  dentate ;  stipe  some- 
what hairy. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.  Frond  18  in.  high,  thin ;  sori  minute,  neaa 
tke  margin. 


CRYPTOGAMIA FILICES.  451 


414.  ASPLENIUM.     Spleenwort. 

A.  ebeneum:  frond  pinnate;  divisions  lanceolate,  somewhat  falcate,  ser- 
rate, aunculate  at  the  base ;  stem  smooth  and  polished. 

HAB.  RocKy  woods.  Frond  12  in.  high;  stipe  slend.,  brown;  seg. 
I  in.  long,  appearing  spiral. 

A.  trichomanes :  frond  pinnate ;  divisions  roundish,  crenatc,  obtusely 
cuneate,  and  entire  at  the  base ;  stipe  polished  and  black. 

HAB.  Rocks.  Cespitose  6 — 8  in.  high,  delicate  ;  seg.  4 — 5  lin.  long  ; 
sori  few,  large. 

A.  thelypter  aides :  frond  pinnate ;  divisions  pinnatifid,  lanceolate ;  seg- 
ments oblong,  obtuse,  serrate,  confluent  at  the  base ;  sori  in  parallel 
oblique  lines. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.  About  2  feet  high ;  frond  ovate ;  sori  -very  nu- 
merous;  stipe  smooth. 

A.  ruta  muraria :  frond  bipinnate  at  the  base,  simply  pinnate  at  top; 
segments  cuneate,  obtusely  dentate  at  the  extremity. 

HAB.  Dry  rocks.  Frond  2 — 3  in.  high,  rather  coriaceous  ;  seg.  sub- 
rhombic  ;  stipe  smooth. 

415.  PTERIS.     Brake. 

P.  aquilina :  frond  tripartite ;  divisions  bipinnate ;  segments  oblong- 
lanceolate,  the  lower  ones  pinnatifid,  upper  ones  entire. 

HAB.  Woods.  2 — 4  feet  high  ;  stipe  long,  erect,  smooth  ;  frond  am- 
ple, circumf.  trian. 

P.  atropurpurea :  frond  pinnate ;  inferior  divisions  ternate  or  pinnate ; 
segments  lanceolate,  obtuse,  obliquely  truncate  or  subcordate  at  the 
base. 

HAB.  Rocks.  A  span  high;  frond  grayish  green;  fructif.  conspi- 
cuous ;  stipe  dark  br.,  subpubes. 

416.  ADIANTUM.     Maiden-hair. 

A.  pedatum :  frond  pedate ;  divisions  pedate ;  segments  rhomboid-ob- 
long, sublunate,  incisely  lobed. 

HAB.  Rocky  woods.  About  1  ft.  high;  stipe  slend.,  black,  polished} 
frond  ample  ;  segm.  entire  below. 

417.  ONOCLEA.     Sensitive  fern. 

O.  sensibilis :  sterile  frond  pinnate ;  segments  laciniate,  the  upper  ones 
united ;  fertile  frond  bipinnate,  resembling  a  compound  spike,  with  re- 
curved globular  segments. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Fronds  about  a  foot  high  ;  sterile  dilated,  sub- 
trian.  ;  fertile  very  narrow. 

418.  OSMUND  A.     Flowering  fern. 

O.  cinnamomea  :  sterile  frond  pinnate ;  divisions  pinnatifid ;  segment* 
ovate,  oblong-obtuse,  very  entire ;  stipe  woolly ;  fertile  frond  bipin- 
nate, woolly. 

39* 


452  CRYPTOGAMlA LYCOPODINEJE. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Fronds  3 — 5  feet  high;  stipe  covered  witn 
brown  hair  ;  fertile  fr.  spike-like,  sometimes  bearing  a  few  leaves. 

O.  interrupta :  frond  pinnate,  smooth ;  divisions  pinnatifid ;  segments 
oblong,  rather  acute,  entire ;  some  of  the  intermediate  divisions  fruc- 
tiferous. 

HAB.  Low  grounds.  Fronds  3 — 4  feet  high  ;  several  central  pairs 
of  the  divisions  fertile,  dark-br. 

O.  regalis :  frond  bipinnate ;  segments  oblong,  distinct,  serrulate ;  ra- 
cemes terminal,  compound. 

HAB.  Swamps.  About  4  feet  high ;  smooth ;  panicle  large,  very 
compound. 

419.  OPHIOGLOSSUM.     Adder's  tongue. 

O.  vulgatum :  spike  cauline ;  frond  oblong-ovate,  obtuse,  closely  reticu- 
late. 

HAB.  Wet  meadows.  June.  About  a  span  high ;  leaf  solit.  entire ; 
spik.  linear,  %-rowed. 

420.  BOTRYCHIUM. 

B.  simplex :  stipe  with  a  single  frond  above ;  frond  subpinnate ;  seg- 
ments 3 — 5,  rarely  7,  roundish  obovate,  sometimes  lobed. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  July.  About  4  in.  high  ;  frond  very  small,  vari- 
able. 

'B.fumarioides :  stipe  naked ;  frond  smooth,  radical,  3-parted,  bipinnate ; 
leaflets  lunate,  crenate  ;  spikes  bipinnate. 

HAB.  Shady  woods.  Aug.  A  foot  high ;  stipe  rather  thick  ;  frond 
somewhat  succul. 

B.  virginicum  :  somewhat  hairy ;  scape  bearing  the  frond  in  the  mid- 
dle ;  frond  3-parted,  bipinnatifid ;  divisions  incisely  pinnatifid ;  seg- 
ments obtuse,  about  3-toothed ;  spikes  decompound. 

HAB.  Woods.  July.  Nearly  2  feet  high;  stipe  mostly  hairy; 
frond  thin  ;  spik.  often  geminate. 

b.  gracile :  smooth ;  spike  bipinnate,  on  a  long,  slender  peduncle. 

HAB.  Dry  woods.  A  span  high ;  frond  and  spike  delicate,  very 
smooth. 

LYCOPODINE^E. 
421.  LYCOPODIUM.     Club-moss. 

*  Spikes  pedunculate. 

L.  davatum :  stem  creeping,  with  ascending  branches ;  leaves  scattered, 
incurved,  ending  in  nairs ;  spikes  geminate  or  ternate,  cylindrical, 
pedunculate;  scales  ovate,  acuminate,  coarsely  dentate. 

HAB.  Woods.  Julv.  Stem  long,  trailing  ;  leaves  ending  in  a  di- 
aphanous bristle,  entire  or  serrul. 

L.  complanatum  :  stem  trailing,  with  dichotomous  branches ;  leaves  2- 
rowed,  connate,  superficial  ones  solitary ;  peduncles  elongated,  sup- 
porting 4-cylindrical  spikes. 


CRYPTOGAMIA  -  EQUISETACE^E.  453 

HAB.  Woods.  Aug.  Stem  2  —  10  feet  long;  branch,  repeatedly 
forked  ;  leaves  small,  pung. 

*  *  Spikes  sessile  ;  leaves  surrounding  the  stem. 

L.    dendroideum:   erect;    branches  alternate,  crowded,  dichotomous, 

erect  ;  leaves  linear-lanceolate,  in  6  equal  rows  ;  spikes  numerous,  soli- 

tary, sessile. 
HAB.  Woods.    July.    About  a  span  high;  branch,  numerous  ;  spikes 

3  —  4  on  each  plant. 
L.  rupestre  :  stem  creeping,  with  ascending  subdivided  branches  ;  leaves 

scattered,  imbricate,  linear-lanceolate,  ciliate,  ending  in  hairs  ;  spikes 

solitary,  sessile,  quadrangular. 
HAB.  Rocks.     July.     Stem  2  —  3  in.  long  ;  branch,  numerous,  some- 

what incurved  ;  plant  grayish-green. 

*  *  *  Spikes  sessile  ;  leaves  distichous. 

L.  apodum  :  leaves  2-rowed,  roundish-ovate,  acute,  denticulate,  flat,  acu- 
minate ;  spikes  terminal,  sessile,  nearly  soHtary,  quadrangular. 

HAB.  Wet  rocky  places.  July.  Resembling  a  moss,  or  Jungerman- 
nia  ;  creeping. 

*  *  *  *  Fructification  axillary. 

L.  lucidulum  :  leaves  in  8  rows,  linear-lanceolate,  denticulate,  acute, 

spreadirig-reflexed  ;  stem  ascending,  bifid. 
HAB.  Woods.     July.     Stem  8  —  12  in.  long,  nearly  erect,  simp,  or 

bifid,  dark  green. 


423.  EQUISETUM.     Horse-tail. 

E.  hyemale  :  stem  simple,  erect,  very  rough,  naked  ;  sheaths  whitish, 

black  at  the  base  and  summit. 
HAB.  Woods  and  marshes.     April.     StemV  —  3  feet  high,  slen.,  pale 

green  ;  spik.  term.,  mostly  solitary. 
E.  arvense  :  sterile  stems  decumbent,  with  simple  branches,  which  are 

rough  and  quadrangular  ;  fertile  stem  erect,  simple  ;  sheaths  simple, 

cylindrical,  incisely-dentate. 
HAB.  Boggy  grounds.     April.     A  span  high  ;  sheaths  of  the  fertile 

stems  swelling  ;  teeth  black. 
E.  sylvaticum  :  sterile  and  fertile  stems  with  compound  scabrous  de- 

flexed  branches. 
HAB.  Woods  and  low  grounds.     May.     Branch,   verticill.  curved 

downwards  ;  sheaths  loose. 


455 


NAMES  OF  THE  CLASSES  AND  ORDERS 

OF  THE  LINX^EAN  SYSTEM, 

Illustrated  chiefly  by  examples  of  the  most  common  North  American 
Plants. 

CLASS  I.— MONANDRIA.     1  Stamen.     ORDERS  2. 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Salicornia,  (Glasswort,) 
Hippuris,  (Mare's  tail.) 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Callitriche,  (Water  Starwort,) 

Blitum,  (Strawberry  Elite.) 
CLASS  II.— DIANDRIA.     2  Stamens.     ORDERS  3. 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Veronica,  (Speedwell,) 

Urtricularia,  (Bladder wort,) 
Collinsonia,  (Horse  weed,) 
Lemria,  (Duck  meat.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles. 
Ex.  Piper,  (Black  Pepper.) 
CLASS  III.— TRIANDRIA.     3  Stamens.     ORDERS  3. 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Iris,  (Flower-de-luce,) 
Scirpus,  (Club-rush.) 

OrxDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Triticum,  ( Wheat,) 
Leersia,  (Rice-grass,) 
Agrostis,  (Bent-grass.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles. 
Ex.  Lechea,  (Pin-weed,) 

Mollugo,  (Carpet-weed.) 
CLASS  IV.— TETRANDRIA.     4  Stamens.     ORDERS  a 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Plantago,  (Plantain,) 
Cornus,  (Dog-wood,) 
Mitchella,  (Chequer-berry.) 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Hamamelis,  (Witch-Hazel,) 
Sanguisorba,  (Canada  Bur  net.} 


456  CLASSES. 

ORDER  3. — TETRAGYNIA.     Four  Styles, 
Ex.   [lex,  (Holly,) 

Potamogeton,  (Pond-weed.) 

CLASS  V.— PENTANDRIA.     5  Stamens.     ORDERS  7. 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Lysimachia,  (Loose-strife,) 
Datura,  (Thorn- Apple,) 
Verbascum,  (Mullein,) 
Viola,  ( Violet,) 
Lobelia,  (Cardinal  Flower.) 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Asclepias,  (Milkweed,) 
Gentiana,  (Gentian,) 
Chenopodium,  (Goose-foot,  Pig-weed,) 
Daucus,  (Carrot,) 
Cicuta,  (American  Hemlock,) 
Uraspermum,  (Sweet  Cicily.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles. 
Ex.  Staphylea,  (Bladder  tree,) 
Rhus,  (Sumac,) 
Viburnum,  (Arrow  wood.) 

ORDER  4. — TETRAGYNIA.     Four  Styles. 
Ex.  Parnassia,  (Grass  of  Parnassus.) 

ORDER  5. — PEXTAGYNIA.     Five  Styles. 
Ex.  Linum,  (Flax,) 

Statice,  (Marsh  Rosemary,) 
Armeria,  (Thrift.) 

ORDER  6. — HEXAGYNIA.     Six  Styles. 
Ex.  Drosera,  (Sun-dew.) 

ORDER  7. — POLYGYNIA.     Many  Styles. 
Ex.  Xanthoriza,  ( Yellow-root.) 

CLASS  VI.— HEXANDRIA.     6  Stamens.     ORDERS  5 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Lilium,  (Lily,) 

Convallaria,  (Solomon's  Seal,) 
Erythroniurn,  (Dog's-tooth  Violet,) 
Orontium,  (Golden  Club.) 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Oryza,  (Rice.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles 
Ex.  Medeola,  (Cucumber  root,) 
Rumex,  (Dock.) 


AND    ORDERS.  457 

ORDER  4. — TETRAGYNIA.  Four  Styles. 
Ex.  Saururus,  (Lizard's  tail.) 

ORDER  5. — POLYGYNIA.  Many  Styles. 
Ex.  Alisma,  ( Water  Plantain.) 

CLASS  VII.— HEPTANDRIA.    7  Stamens.    ORDERS  4 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Trientalis,  (Chickweed-winter green,) 
JSsculus,  (Horse  Chestnut.) 

CLASS  VIIL— OCTANDRIA      8  Stamens.     ORDERS  4. 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Epilobium,  (Willow-herb,) 
Oxycoccus,  (Cranberry.) 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Chrysosplenium,  (Golden  Saxifrage.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.  Three  Styles. 
Ex.  Polygonum,  (Knot  Grass.) 

CLASS  IX.— ENNEANDRIA.     9  Stamens.     ORDERS  & 
ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 

Ex.  Laurus,  (Sassafras,  Spice  bush.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles. 

Ex.  Rheum,  (Rhubarb.) 

CLASS  X.— DECANDRIA.     10  Stamens.     ORDERS  5. 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Kalmia,  (Laurel,  Ivy,) 
Pyrola,  (Winter green,) 
Gaultheria,  (Partridge-berry.) 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Saxifraga,  (Saxifrage,) 
Saponaria,  (Soap  wort.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles. 
Ex.  Stellaria,  (Chickweed,) 
Arenaria,  (Sandwort.) 

ORDER  5. — PENTAGYNIA.     Five  Styles. 
Ex.  Spergula,  (Corn,  Spurrey,) 
Penthorum,  (Five  Horns.) 

ORDER  10. — DECAGYNIA.  Ten  Styles. 
Ex.  Phytolacca,  (Poke,  or  Scot'*.) 

CLASS  XL— DODECANDRIA.   12  Stamens.  ORDER- 
ORDER  1. — MONOGYNTA.     OneSty'j 
Ex.  Asarum,  (Wild  Ginger,) 
Portulacca,  (Purslane.} 


458  CLASSES. 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Agrimonia,  (Agrimony.} 

ORDER  2. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles. 
Ex.  Euphorbia,  (Spurge.) 
CLASS  XII.— ICOSANDRIA.    Twenty  or  more  stamens 

inserted  on  the  calyx.     ORDERS  3. 
ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Prunus,  ( Wild  Cherry,) 
Cactus,  (Prickly  Pear.) 

ORDER  2. — DIGYNIA.     Two  Styles. 
Ex.  Crataegus,  (Thorn  bush.) 

ORDER  3. — TRIGYNIA.     Three  Styles 
Ex.  Sorbus,  (Mountain  Ash.) 

ORDER  5. — PENTAGYNIA.     Five  Styles. 
Ex.  Pyrus,  (Apple,  Pear,) 
Spiraea,  (Meadow  Sweet.) 

ORDER  6. — POLYGYNIA.     Many  Styles. 
Ex.  Rosa,  (Rose,) 

Rubus,  (Blackberry,  Raspberry,) 
Geum,  (Avens.) 
CLASS  XIII.— POLYANDRIA.     Many  Stamens 

ORDERS  7. 

ORDER  1. — MONOGYNIA.     One  Style. 
Ex.  Sarracenia,  (Side-saddle  Flower,) 
Sanguinaria,  (Bloodroot,) 
Tilia,  (Basswood,) 
Nymphaea,  (Water  Lily.) 

ORDER  5. — PENTAGYNIA.     Five  Styles 
Ex.  Aquilegia,  (Columbine.) 

ORDER  6. — POLYGYNIA.     Many  Stiles. 
Ex.  Clematis,  ( Virgin's  Bower,) 
Coptis,  (Gold  Thread,) 
Ranunculus,  (Crowfoot.) 

CLASS  XIV.— DIDYNAMIA.     Four  Stamens,  two  of 

which  are  longer  than  the  others.     ORDERS  2. 

ORDER  1. — GYMNOSPERMIA.     Seeds  naked. 

A.  Calyxes  mostly  jive-cleft. 
Ex.  Mentha,  (Mint,) 

Verbena,  (Vervain,) 
Leonurus,  (Motherwort.) 

B.  Calyxes  two-lipped. 
Ex.  Scutellaria,  (Scullcap,) 

Prunella,  (Self-heal.) 


AND   ORDERS.  459 

ORDER  2. — ANGIOSPERMIA.     Seeds  in  a  vessel. 
E^.   Bartsia,  (Painted  Cup,) 
Pedicularis,  (Lousewort,) 
Mimulus,  (Monkey  Flower,) 
Clielone,  (Snake-head.) 
CLASS  XV.— TETRADYNAMIA.     Six  Stamens,  four 

long  and  two  short.     ORDERS  2. 
ORDER  1. — SILICULOSA.     Seeds  in  a  short  pod. 
Ex.  Lepidium,  (Pepper-grass,) 
Thlaspi,  (Shepherd's  Purse.) 

ORDER  2. — SILIQUOSA.     Seeds  in  a  long  pod. 
Ex.  Sinapis,  (Mustard,) 
Raphanus,  (Radish,) 
Dentaria,  (Toothwort.) 

CLASS  XVI.— MONADELPHIA.  Filaments  united,  at 
least  through  a  part  of  their  length,  into  one  parcel. 
ORDERS  7. 

ORDER  1. — TRIANDRIA.     Three  Stamens. 
Ex.  Sisyrinchium,  (Blue-eyed  grass.) 

ORDER  5. — PENTANDRIA.     Five  Stamens. 
Ex.  Passiflora,  (Passionflower.) 

ORDER  10. — DECANDRIA.     Ten  Stamens. 
Ex.  Geranium,  (Cranesbill.) 

ORDER  11. — POLYANDRIA.     Many  Stamens. 
Ex.  Sida,  (Indian  Malloic,) 
Malva,  (Mallow,) 
Hibiscus,  (Hibiscus.) 

CLASS  XVII.— DIADELPHIA.     Stamens  united  into 
two  distinct  parcels  or  sets.     ORDERS  4. 
ORDER  2, — HEXANDRIA.     Six  Stamens. 
Ex.  Fumaria,  (Fumatory,) 
Corydalis,  (Corydalis.) 

ORDER  3. — OCTANDRIA.     Eight  Stamens. 
Ex.  Polygala,  (Milkwort,  Snakeroot.) 

ORDER  4. — DECANDRIA.     Ten  Stamens 
Ex.  Crotalaria,  (Rattle-pod,) 
Phaseolus,  (Kidney  Bean,) 
Trifolium,  (Clover,) 
Robinia,  (Locust  tree.) 

CLASS  XVIII.— POL YDELDPHIA.     Stamens  united 
into  more  than  two  parcels.     ORDERS  3. 
ORDER  POLYANDRIA.     Many  Stamens. 
Ex.  Hypericum,  (St.  John's  wort,) 
Citrus,  (Orange,  Lemon.) 
40 


460  CLASSES 

CLASS  XIX.— SYNGENESIA.  Anthers  united  by  their 
edges  into  a  cylinder.  Flowers  compound,  or  collected 
into  heads.  ORDERS  5. 

ORDER  1. — JSauALis.  Florets  of  the  disk  and  ray  all 
fertile,  being  furnished  with  stamens  and  pistils. 

A.  Florets  all  ligulate,  or  strap-shaped. 
Ex.  Leontodon,  (Dandelion,) 

Lactuca,  (Lettuce,) 
Hieracium,  (Hawkweed.) 

B.  Florets  all  tubular  and  erect,  forming  nearly  a  level 
top. 

Ex.  Eupatorium,  (Boneset,) 

Bidens,  (Burr-marigold.) 
ORDER  2. — SUPERFLUA.  Florets  of  the  ray  obsolete ;  those 

of  the  disk  with  pistils  and  stamens ;  all  fertile. 
Ex.  Artemisia,  (Wormwood,) 

Gnaphalium,  (Life  Everlasting.) 

C.  Florets,  radiate  and  ligulate. 
Ex.  Aster,  (Starwort,) 

Solidago,  (Golden  rod,) 
Senecio,  (Groundsel,) 
Anthemis,  (Mayweed.) 

ORDER   3. — FRUSTRANEA.      Florets    of  the    disk    with 
stamens  and  pistils,  and  fertile;  those  of  the  ray  with 
stamens  only,  and  barren. 
Ex.  Helianthus,  (Sun-flower,) 

Coreopsis,  ( Tickseed-sun-flower,) 
Rudbeckia,  (Rudbeckia.) 

ORDER  4. — NECESSARIA.     Florets  of  the  disk  with  sta- 
mens, but  no  pistils,  and  therefore  barren ;  those  of 
the  ray  with  pistils  only,  and  fertile. 
Ex.  Calendula,  (Marigold,) 

Iva,  (False  Jesuit's  Bark.) 
ORDER  5. — SEGREGATA.     Besides  the  common  involucre, 

each  floret  has  its  distinct  perianth. 
Ex.  Elephantopus,  (Elephant1 s  foot,) 

Echinops,  (Globe  Thistle.) 
CLASS  XX.— GYNANDRIA.     Stamens  placed  on  the 

pistil  or  germen.     ORDERS  7. 

ORDER  1. — MONANDRIA.     One  Stamen. 

A.     Anther,  terminal,  erect ;  pollen  granular,  cohering 

by  an  elastic  thread. 
Ex.  Orchis,  (Orchis,) 

Habenaria,  (Habenaria.) 


AND    ORDERS.  461 

B.  Anther  parallel  with  the  stigma;  pollen  powdery. 
Ex.  Neottia,  (Bird's  nest,) 

Spiranthes,  (Ladies'  tresses.) 

C.  Anther,  terminal,  presistent ;  pollen  powdery. 
Ex.   Arethusa,  (Arethusa,) 

Pogonia,  (Pogonia,) 
Calopogon,  (Calopogon.) 

D.  Anther  terminal,  opercular,  deciduous ;  pollen  waxy. 
Ex.  Cymbidium,  (Tuberous  Cymbidium.,) 

Malaxis,  (Malaxis.) 

ORDER  2. — DIANDRIA.     Two  Stamens. 
Ex.  Cypripedium,  (Ladies1  Slipper.) 

ORDER  3. — HEXA\DRIA.     Six  Stamens. 
Ex.  Aristolochia,  (Virginia  snake  root.) 

CLASS  XXI.— MONCECIA.  Stamens  and  pistils  in 
different  flowers,  but  on  the  same  plant,  so  that  some 
flowers  are  fruitful,  while  others  are  barren.  ORDERS  8. 

ORDER  1. — MONANDRIA.     One  Stamen. 
Ex.  Zostera,  (Grass-wack,  Eel-grass,) 
Zannichellia,  (Horned  pondweed.) 

ORDER  3.— TRIANDRIA.     Three  Stamens. 
Ex.  Eriocaulon,  (Pipewort,) 
Carex,  (Sedge  Grass,) 
Typha,  (Water  Flag,) 
Comptonia,  (Sweet  Fern,) 
Zea,  (Indian  Corn.) 

ORDER  4. — TETRANDRIA.     Four  Stamens. 
Ex    Alnus,  (Common  Alder,) 
Urtica,  (Nettle,) 
Moms,  (Mulberry.) 

ORDER  5.— rPENTANDRiA.     Five  Stamens. 
Ex.  Ambrosia,  (Bitter  treed.  Roman  wormwood,) 
Xanthium,  (Sea  Burdock.) 

ORDER  6. — HEXANDRIA.     Six  Stamens. 
Ex.  Zizania,  ( Wild  Rice,  Water  Oats.) 

ORDER  7. — POLYANDRIA.     Many  Stamens. 
Ex.  Sagittaria,  (Arrow  head,) 
Arum,  (Indian  Turnip,) 
Castanea,  (Chestnut  Tree,) 
Quercus,  (Oak,) 
Juglans,  (Walnut.) 


462  CLASSES. 

ORDER    8. — MONADELPHIA.      Stamens    united    into    a 

single  body. 

Ex.  Firms,  (Pine,  Spruce,) 
Thuya,  (Hacmatac.) 

CLASS  XXII. — DIOECIA.  Stamens  and  pistils  on  dif- 
ferent plants,  one  being-  barren  and  the  other  fruitful. 
ORDERS  8. 

ORDER  2. — DIANDRIA.     Two  Stamens. 
Ex    Vallisneria,  (Vallisneria,) 
Salix,  (Willow.) 

ORDERS. — TRIANDRIA.     Three  Stamens. 
Ex.  Empetrimi,  (Crowberry.) 

ORDER  4. — TETRANDRIA.     Four  Stamens. 
Ex.  Myrica,  (Bay-berry,  Wax  Myrtle.) 

ORDER  5. — PENTANDRIA.     Five  Stamens. 
Ex.  Humulus,  (Common  Hop,) 
Acnida,  (Acnida.) 

ORDER  6. — HEXANDRIA.     Six  Stamens. 
Ex.  Smilax,  (Green  Brier,) 
Dioscoria,  (Dioscoria.) 
ORDER  7. — OCTANDRIA.     Eight  Stamens. 
Ex.  Populus,  (Poplar,) 

Diospyros,  (Persimmon.) 
ORDER  8. — ENNEANDRIA.     Nine  Stamens. 
Ex.  Elodea,  (Elodea.) 

ORDER  9. — DECANDRIA.     Ten  Stamens. 
Ex.  Gymnocladus,  (Coffee-bean  tree.) 

ORDER  10. — POLYANDRIA.     Many  Stamens. 
Ex.  Menispermum,  (Moonseed.) 
ORDER   11. — MONADELPHIA.     Stamens  united  into  out 

body. 
Ex.  Juniperus,  (Juniper,  Red  Cedar,) 

Taxus,  (Dwarf  Yew.) 

CLASS   XXIII.— POL  YG  AMI  A.     Perfect  flowers  to- 
gether with  barren,  or  fertile  ones,  or  both,  on  the 
same,  or  on  separate  plants.     ORDERS  3. 
ORDER    1. — MONCECIA.      Barren,    fertile,   and    perfect 

flowers,  on  the  same  plant. 
Ex.  Veratrum,  (Hellebore,) 

Celtis,  (Nettle-tree.) 
ORDER  2. — DKECI A.     Barren*  fetile,  and  perfect  flowei  s 

on  distinct  plants 
Ex.  Panax,  (Ginseng,) 


AND    ORDERS.  463 

Xanthoxylum,  (Prickly  Ash,) 
Acer,  (Maple,) 
Fraxinus,  (Ash.) 
CLASS  XXIV.— CRYPTOGAMIA.  Stamens  and  pistils 

concealed,  imperfectly  formed,  or  wanting.    ORDERS  8. 
ORDER  1. — FILICES.    Ferns.    Fruit  mostly  placed  on  the 

back  of  the  frond. 
Ex.  Polypodium,  (Polypody,) 

Osmunda,  (Flowering-  Fern,) 
Asplenium,  (Shield  Fern.) 
ORDER  2. — EQUISETACEA.     (Horsetail.) 

Ex.  Equisetum,  (Scouring  Rush.) 

ORDERS. — LYCOPODINE^E.  (Club Mosses.)  Reproductive 
organs  axillary,  spiked.     Theccs  in  grains,  or  masses. 

Ex.  Lycopodium,  (Club  Moss.) 

ORDER  4. — Musci.  (Mosses.)  Dry  herbs  with  distinct 
leaves,  producing  seed  vessels,  furnished  with  lids,  and 
containing  sporules. 

'  The  Mosses  belonging  to  this  order  are  chiefly  found  in 
moist  places  in  the  woods,  and  in  sheltered  situations  among 
the  rocks. 

ORDERS. — HEPATIC^E,  (Liverworts.)  Herb,  a  frond,  the 
capsules  not  generally  opening  with  a  lid,  as  in  the 
Mosses. 

These  plants  are  chiefly  found  on  rocks,  old  walls,  and 
the  bark  of  trees. 

ORDER  6. — ALGJE.  (Flags.)  Seeds  imbedded  in  the  sub- 
stance of  the  frond ;  plants  chiefly  aquatic  and  sub 
merged. 

Ex.  Fucus  nodosus,  (Sea  Rock  Weed.) 
ORDER  7. — LICHENS.  (Rock  and  Tree  Mosses.)  Leafless, 
flowerless,  perennial  plants,  with  a  thallus  and  exter- 
nal disk  containing  sporules. 

They  are  found  on  old  wood  fences,  rocks,  and  the  bark 
of  trees. 

Ex.  Cetraria,  (Iceland  Moss,) 

Lecanora,  (Cudbear.) 

ORDER  8. — FUNGI.  (Mushrooms.)  Sporules  or  seeds  ar- 
ranged in  tubular  cells,  placed  in  some  part  of  the  ex- 
ternal surf  ace,of ten  in  the  lamellae,  or  gills.  Frond  none. 
Ex.  Agaricus  campestris,  (Eatable  'Mushroom.) 
This  order  comprehends  all  the  Mushrooms,  vulgarly 
palled  Toad-stools,  of  which  there  are  several  thousand 
species  and  varieties. 
40* 


GLOSSARY 

OP 

TERMS    USED    IN    BOTANY. 


A,  in  composition,  signifies  wanting,  or  without,  as  acaulie,  without  a 

stem. 

Abortive.     Producing  no  fruit.     Ex.  Snowball. 

Abrupt.  Terminating  suddenly,  as  if  cut  off,  as  in  the  root  of  Bloodroot. 
Abruptly-pinnate.  Wanting  the  odd  terminal  leaf.  Ex.  Cassia  Mari- 

landica,  (Senna.) 

Acerose.  Stiff  and  slender,  with  a  sharp  point.  Ex.  Leaves  of  the  Pine. 
Acklamydeous.  Flowers  without  calyx  or  corolla.  Ex.  Willow,  Birch. 
Acicular.  Needle-shaped. 

Acinaciform.     Cimeter-shaped.     Linear,  sharp-edged,  and  crooked. 
Acinus.     One  of  the  protuberances  in  a  compound  berry.     Ex.  Rubus 

villosus,  (Blackberry.} 

Acotyledonous.     Having  no  cotyledons  or  seed  lobes.     Ex.  Mushrooms. 
Aculeate.     Prickly.     Ex.  Rose  bush. 
Aculeus.     A  prickle  growing  to  the  bark,  but  not  to  the  wood.    Ex.  Rose 

bush,  Fig,  91. 
Acuminate.     Ending  in  an  extended  sharp  point.     Ex.  Utrica  dioica, 

(common  Nettie,)  Fig.  51. 
Acute.     Ending  in  a  sharp  point,  but  less  extended  than  acuminate.     Ex. 

Leaves  of  Asclepias,  (Milk-weed.) 
Adelphous.     Brotherhood.     Applied  to  plants  whose  stamens  are  united 

by  their  filaments.     Ex.  Pea,  Mallows. 
Adnate.     Adhering  to  a  thing.     Anthers  are  called  adnate,  when  they 

adhere  to  the  filaments  by  their  whole  length. 

Adult.  Full  grown.  An  adult  plant  is  one  that  has  obtained  its  full  size 
^Estivation.  Prsefloration.  The  manner  in  which  the  floral  envelopes 

are  arranged  before  they  expand. 

Agglomerated.     Collected  into  a  head.     Crowded  together.    Ex.  Cauli- 
flower. 
Aggregated.     Collected  together,  as  when  many  flowers  grow  on  the 

same  receptacle,  not  compound.     Ex.  Armeria,  (Thrift.) 
Alated.     Winged.     Ex.  Seeds  of  the  Maple. 
Albumen.     The  tough  substance  surrounding  the  embryo  of  certain  seeds. 

Ex.  Reseda,  (Mignonette.} 

Albuminous.     Partaking  of  the  nature  of  albumen. 
Algae.     An  order  of  Cryptogamous  plants,  including  the  Sea- weeds. 
Alternate.     Placed  one  after  the  other.     The  leaves  of  the  Asters  are  al- 
ternate. 


46ti  GLOSSARY    Of 

Alveolate.     Like  a  honey-comb.    Applied  to  the  involucre  of  certain 

plants.    Ex.  Borkhausia. 
Ament.     A  Catkin.     A  certain  mode  of  inflorescence.    Ex.  Chestnut, 

Birch. 
Amplexicaul.     Clasping  the  stem.     The  leaf  joins  the  stalk  without  a 

petiole.    Ex.  Aster  amplexicaulis. 
Ancipltal.     Two-edged. 
Androgynous.     Producing  both  barren  and  fertile  flowers  on  the  same 

plant.    Ex.  Indian  Corn. 

Angulo-dentate.     Angularly  toothed.     Ex.  Lapsania,  (  Nipplewort.') 
Annual.     Living  but  one  year,  in  which  time  it  produces  flower  and  seed. 

Ex.  Cucumber. 

Anther.     That  part  of  tne  stamen  which  contains  the  pollen,  very  appa- 
rent in  the  Lilies,  Fig.  97. 
Annulations.     Rings,  or  circles. 
Anterior.     Growing  before,  or  in  front,  as  the  anterior  segments  of  a 

leaf. 
Antiseptic.    Efficacious   against  putrefaction.     Ex.  Artemisia,  ( Worm- 

wood.) 

Apetalous.     Without  petals.     Ex.  Saururus. 
Apex.     The  extremity,  or  summit,  generally  terminating  in  a  point. 
Aphyllous.     Without  leaves.     Ex.  Saltwort. 
Appressed.     Pressed  close  upon  something  else.     When  hairs  lie  close  to 

the  surface  of  a  leaf,  they  are  said  to  be  appressed. 
Apterous.     Without  wings,  or  membranous  margins.    Ex.  The  radical 

flowers  of  Polygala  rubella. 
Arachnoid.     Resembling  a  spider's  web. 
Aquatic.     Growing  in  the  water.     Ex.  Pond  Lily. 
Arborescent.     Tree-like.     Approaching  in  size  to  a  tree.     Ex.   Cornus 

florida,  {Dogwood.) 

Arillus.     An  appendage  adhering  to  the  hilum  of  certain  seeds. 
Aristate.     Bearded.     Ex.  Barley. 

Armed.     Furnished  with  thorns  and  prickles.     Ex.  Thorn-bush,  Green- 
brier. 

Aroma.     The  aromatic  or  spicy  quality  of  plants.     Ex.  Mint,  Sassafras. 
Articulated.     Jointed.     The  place  where  one  part  is  joined  to  another. 

Many  of  the  grasses  have  articulated  culms. 
Arundinaceous,     From  arundo,   a   reed.     Resembling   reeds,   or  large 

grasses. 

Ascending.     Rising,  somewhat  obliquely,  from  the  ground. 
Attenuated.     Diminishing.     Growing  thin,  or  slender. 
Auriculate.     Furnished  with  appendages,  or  projections  resembling  ears. 

Ex.  Jasminum  auriculatum. 

Avon.     The  rough  beard  or  bristle,  in  the  flowers  of  the  grassc-s. 
:\wned.     Having  awns. 
Axis.     Centre  of  vegetation,  as  the  pith  of  vascular  plants.     The  Cryp- 

togamia  and  Endogenous  plants  have  many  of  them  no  axes. 

Banner.     The  upper  and  largest  petal  in  papilionaceous  flowers.     Ex. 

Pea,  Bean. 

Barren.     Producing  no  fruit.     Containing  stamens  without  pistils. 
Bell-shaped.     Campanulate.     A  short  tube,   rounded  at  the  base,  and 

wide  at  the  brim.    Ex.  Bell-flower. 
Berry.     A  succulent  fruit  with  the  seeds  imbedded  in  the  substance.   Ex. 

Phytolacca  decandra,  (Poke,)  Orange. 
Bicuspidate.    Ending  in  two  points. 


BOTANICAL    TERMS.  467 

Biennial.     Living  two  years,  during  the  second  of  which  the  flower  and 

seed  are  produced.     Ex.  Beet,  Turnip. 
Bifid.     Two-cleft ;  nearly  divided  into  two  parts. 
iSiorular.     Having  two  cells,  Fig   133. 
filpinnate.     Doubly  winged.     When  both  the  leaf  and  its  subdivisions 

are  winged.     Ex.  Honey  Locust,  Fig.  70. 
Biternate.     Twice  ternate.     The  petiole  bearing  three  ternate  leaves. 

Ex.  Fumaria  lutea,  (Fumitory,)  Fig.  63. 
Bivalve.     Two-valved.     Ex.  Pea-pod. 
Border.     The  edcje  or  spreading  part  of  the  corolla. 
Bracfiiate.     Branches  opposite,  like  the  arms,  each  pair  crossing  those 

below,  or  alternately  crossing  each  other,  Fig.  15. 
Bract.     Floral  leaf.     This  is  placed  near  the  flower,  and  differs  from  the 

other  leaves.     Ex.  Enchroma  coccinea,  (Painted-cup.) 
Bristles.     Rigid  hairs.     Not  prickly. 
Bulbous.     Having  bulbs,  or  globular  protuberances,  as  the  Tulip  root, 

Fig.  9. 
Bulbs.     Under  ground  buds,  or  roots  consisting  of  scales  lying  one  over 

the  other.     Ex.  Onion.     Some    of  the  Lily  tribe  bear  bulbs  in  the 

axils  of  their  leaves.     Ex.  Lilium  bulbosum. 

Caducous.  Falling  off  early ;  sooner  than  deciduous.  Ex.  Calyx  of  the 
Poppy. 

CcBspitose.     Grass-like,  forming  little  tufts.     Ex.  Pink,  Thrift. 

Calcarate.     Spurred,  or  spur-shaped.     Ex.  Larkspur. 

Calyciform.     Shaped  like  a  calyx. 

Calyculated.     Furnished  with  an  additional  outer  calyx.     Ex.  Hibiscus. 

Calyptra.  Literally  an  extinguisher.  The  cap  which  tips  the  theca  of 
a  Moss. 

Calyptrate.     Having  a  covering  resembling  an  extinguisher. 

Calyx.  The  outer  and  lower  portion  of  a  flower,  commonly  of  a  green 
color.  Ex.  Pink,  Fig.  94. 

Campanulate.     Shaped  like  a  bell,  Fig.  110. 

Canescent.     Whitish.     Hoary. 

Canaliculate.     Having  channels,  or  furrows. 

Capillary.     Very  slender,  resembling  hair. 

Capitate.     Growing  in  small  heads.     Ex.  Trefoil,  (Clover,)  Fig.  132. 

Capituli.     Little  heads.     Ex.  Reseda,  (Mignonette.) 

Carina.  A  keel  like  that  of  a  boat ;  also  the  two  lower  petals  of  papili- 
onaceous flowers.  Ex.  Pea,  Bean,  Fig.  116. 

Carinate.     Keel-shaped.     Ex.  Urticularia  minor,  (Bladder-wort.) 

Carious.     Decayed. 

Carminative.  Stomachic  substances,  which  relieve  pain.  Ex.  Pepper- 
mint, Caraway. 

Carnose.     Fleshy  in  substance. 

Carpella.  The  small  parts  of  which  compound  fruits  are  formed.  Ex. 
Actinocarpus. 

Carpolo%y.  The  science  which  treats  of  the  structure  of  fruits  and 
seeds. 

Catkin.     See  Ament. 

Caudate.     Tailed,  having  a  tail-like  appendage. 

Caudcx.     The  uppnr  part  of  the  root  whence  the  stalk  springs. 

Caulescent.     Having  a  true  stem  which  bears  leaves.     Ex.  Hibiscus. 

Cauline.     Growing  on  a  stem. 

Cell.     A  cavity  or  compartment,  generally  applied  to  a  capsule,  or  seed 


468  GLOSSAKY    OF 

Cdlulares.     The  second  division  of  Lindley's  system.     Plants  having 

colls,  but  not  spiral  vessels.     Ex.  Mushrooms. 
Cellular.     Made  up  of  little  cells.     Ex.  Stem  of  Eriocaulon. 
Cephalic.     Good  for  the  head. 

Cernuous.     Nodding  or  drooping.     Ex.  Geum  rivale,  (  Water  avens.) 
Chalaza.     A  spot  on  the  seed,  indicating  the  spot  where  the  vessels  of  the 

raphe  terminated. 

Chaffy.     Made  of  membranes  like  chaff.    Ex.  Gnaphalium,  (Life  Ever- 
lasting.') 

Cilicle.    Fringed  with  hairs  like  the  eyelashes.    Ex.  Lopczia  cordata. 
Cinerous.     Ash-colored ;  gray.     Ex.  Grevillea  cinerea. 
Cirrhose.     Tendrilled,  having  claspers.     Ex.  Gourd,  Gloriosa. 
Clasping.     Partly  surrounding  the  stalks,  as  the  leaves  of  Garden  Let- 
tuce.    Fig.  82. 

Clavate.     Club-shaped.  Largest  at  the  top.  Ex.  Pedicels  of  Actea  rubra. 
Claw.    The  narrow  part  of  the  petal,  where  it  is  attached.     Ex.  Pink, 

Fig.  115. 

Cleft.     Divided  less  than  half  way.     Mostly  applied  to  the  calyx. 
Coadnate.     Uniting,  or  adhering  at  the  base. 

Colored.     Some  color  different  from  green,  the  usual  color  of  plants. 
Compound.     Used  in  Botany  to  express  the  union  of  several  things  in 

one :   thus  a  compound   flower  consists  of  many   small  florets,   or 

simple  flowers ;   a  compound  umbel  is  made  up  of  several  smaller 

umbels,  &c. 

Compressed.     Pressed  together ;  flattened. 
Cone.     The  fruit  of  the  Pine  tribe,  Fig.  143. 
Conglomerate.     Crowded  together  in  a  spherical  form. 
Connate.     Joined  together  at  the  base.      Ex.    Triostium  perfoliatum, 

Fig.  83. 

Connlvent.     Converging,  or  approaching  each  other.     Ex.  Datura  ferox. 
Contorted.     Twisted,  bent  from  the  ordinary  position. 
Corculum.     The  germ  or  embryo  of  the  future  plant,  contained  in  the 

seed  commonly  between  the  cotyledons.     Ex.  Garden  Bean. 
Cordate.      Heart-shaped.      Ex.    Leaves    of  the    Aster    macrophyllus, 

.  Fig.  35. 
Coriaceous.     Resembling  leather.     Thick  and  tough.     Ex.  Leaves  of  the 

Chionanthes  Virgimca,  (  Virginian  Fringe-tree.) 
Corneous.     Horny.     Having  the  consistence  of  horn. 
Corniculate.     Horn-shaped. 
Corolla.     The  delicate  colored  part  of  the  flower,  on  which  its  beauty 

generally  depends.     It  is  the  second  covering  of  the  bud,  within  the 

calyx.  See  page  53,  Fig.  95. 
Cortical.  Belonging  to  the  bark. 
Corimb.  A  raceme,  or  panicle,  in  which  the  stalks  of  the  lower  flowers, 

being  longest,  the  whole  is  nearly  flat  on  the  top.     Ex.  Achillea, 

(Yarrow,)  Fig.  131. 

Corymbose.     Formed  after  the  manner  of  a  Corymb. 
Costce.     Literally  ribs ;    applied  by  botanists,  sometimes  to  the  midrib  of 

the  leaf,  and  sometimes  to  any  projecting  round  elevations,  having 

the  same  direction  as  the  axis  of  the  fruit. 
Costate.     Ribbed. 
Cotyledons.     Seed  leaves,  or  seed  lobes.     The  fleshy  parts  of  seeds,  well 

known  in  the  Bean,  as  the  two  halves  which  are  separated  in  the  act 

of  sprouting,  and  rise  above  the  ground,  Fig.  144. 


BOTANICAL    TERMS.  469 

Crenate.     Notched,  or  scalloped,  the  divisions  being  rounded.     Ex.  Gle- 

choma  hederacea,  (Gill.) 
Crenulaie.  Full  of  notches. 
Crest.  Applied  to  some  elevated  appendage  terminating  a  particular 

organ :  a  stamen  is  crested  when  the  filament  projects  beyond  the 

anther. 

Cruciform.     Having  four  petals  placed  like  a  cross.     A  flower  is  cruci- 
form, or  cruciate,  when  four  equal  petals  are  placed  opposite  to  each 

other  at  right  angles.     Ex.  Cabbage,  Fig.  117. 

Crystalline.     Resembling  crystals.     Ex.  Mesembryanthemum  lanceolata. 
Crypto  gamus.     Belonging  to  the  Cryptogami,  the  last  of  the  Linnsean 

Classes,  and  in  which  neither  stamens  nor  pistils  are  visible.     Ex. 

Fern,  (Polypod,)  Fig.  24. 
Cucullate.     Hooded  or  cowled.     Ex.   Spathe  of  the  Arum  tryphyllum 

(Indian  Turnip,)  Fig.  130. 
Cucurbitaccous.     Gourd  or  Melon  like. 

Culm.     The  stem  of  Grasses,  and  similar  plants.    Ex.  Wheat,  Fig.  20. 
Culmiferous.     Producing  culms. 
Cultrate.     Shaped  like  a  pruning  knife. 
Cuneate.     Wedge-shaped. 

Cuspidate.     Having  a  sharp  straight  point,  Fig.  50. 
Cuticle.     The  outer  skin,  or  epidermis. 
Cut-toothed.     Cut  and  toothed  at  the  same  time. 
Cyathiform.     Cup-shaped.     Formed  like  a  wine  glass.    Ex.  Narcissus 

pulchellus. 
Cylindrical.     Cylinder-shaped ;  round,  but  not  tapering.    Ex.  Salicor- 

dia  radicans. 
Cyme.     A  mode  of  inflorescence  in  which  the  flower  stalks  rise  from  the 

same  point,  but  are  afterwards  variously  subdivided.     Ex.   Scirpus 

lacustris. 

Decagynous.     Having  ten  styles.    Ex.  Phytolacca  decandria,  (Poke.) 
Decandrous.     Having  ten  stamens.     Ex.  Plants  of  the  10th  Class,  as 

Kalmia,  Pyrola. 
Deciduous.     Falling  off.      It  means   later  than  caducous.     All  plants 

which  shed  their  leaves  at  autumn,  are  called  deciduous,  and  are  thus 

distinguished  from  evergreens. 
Dedinate.     Tending  downwards.     Ex.  Stamens  of  the  Rhododendron 

maximum. 
Decompound.     Twice  compound.     A  leaf  is  decompound  when  it  is  twice 

pinnated.     Ex.  Cassia,  Mimosa. 

Decorticated.     Disbarked.     When  the  bark  is  wanting. 
Decumbent.     Lying  down,  or  leaning  on  the  ground.     Ex.  Lespedeza 

prostrata. 
Decwrrent.     When  the  edge  of  the  leaf  runs  down  the  stem.     Ex.  Many 

of  the  Thistles. 

Decursive.     Having  a  tendency  to  run  down. 

Decussating.     Crossing  each  other  in  pairs.  Ex.  Bidens  crysanthemoides. 
Deflected.     Bent  to  one  side. 
Dehiscent.     Gaping,  or  opening.     Applied  to  the  opening  of  capsules,  or 

the  mode  in  which  they  discharge  their  seeds.     Ex.  Columbine.    The 

capsule  of  the  Poppy  is  indehiscent,  discharging  its  seeds  by  orifices*. 
Pdtoid,  or  Delta-leaved.     Shaped  like  the  Greek  Delta  A.     Ex.  Pre 

nanthes. 


470  GLOSSARY  OF 

Dentate.  Toothed,  having  the  margin  divided  into  incisions  resembling 
teeth.  Ex.  Veronica  acuta,  Fig.  48. 

Dentato-sinuate.     Toothed  and  scalloped.     Ex.  Gerardia  flava. 

Denticulate.     Minutely  toothed. 

Dentures.  Teeth.  The  sharp  points  which  separate  the  notches  of 
leaves. 

Depressed.     Pressed  in  at  top,  or  flattened.    Ex.  Capsule  of  the  Poppy. 

Diadelpkous.  Having  the  stamens  united  in  two  parcels.  Ex.  Pea 
Bean,  seep  179. 

Diandrous.     Having  two  stamens.     Ex.  Collinsonia. 

Dichotomous.     Forked.     A  stem  that  ramifies  in  pairs,  Fig.  15. 

Dicoccous.     Having  two  cocci,  grains,  or  seeds. 

Dicotyledonous.     Having  two  cotyledons     Ex.  Bean. 

Didynamous.  Belonging  to  the  class  Didynamia;  characterized  by 
two  long  and  two  short  stamens,  and  a  ringent  corolla.  Ex.  Hys- 
sop, Mint. 

Digitate.  Finger-shaped.  When  the  leaf  is  composed  of  five  parts,  all 
distinct  and  uniting  on  the  same  petiole.  Ex.  Panax  quinquefolium. 

Digynous.     Having  two  styles.    Ex.  Gerardia. 

Dicecious.  Having  barren  flowers  on  one  plant,  and  fertile  ones  on  an- 
other. Ex.  Willow. 

Discoid.  Applied  to  compound  flowers,  when  there  is  no  ray,  the  centre 
being  filled  with  florets.  Resembling  a  disk. 

Dissepiment.     The  partitions  by  which  a  capsule  is  divided,  Fig.  133. 

Distic/ious.  Growing  in  two  opposite  rows  or  ranks.  Ex.  Leaves  of  the 
Lily  and  Iris. 

Divaricate.  Growing  in  a  straggling  manner.  Ex.  Veronica  pinnata. 
Also,  diverging  so  as  to  turn  backwards. 

Dodecandrous.     Having  12  stamens.     Ex.  Agrimony. 

Divergent.     Spreading  widely  from  a  centre. 

Dolabriform.     Axe,  or  hatchet  shaped. 

Dorsal.     Growing  on  the  back. 

Drupe.  A  succulent  fruit,  or  rind  containing  a  bony  nut  or  stone  in  the 
centre.  Ex.  Cherry,  Fig.  138. 

Drupaceous.     Resembling  or  bearing  drupes. 

Echinate.     Beset  with  prickles.     Hedge-hog  like.    Ex.  Amomum  sub- 

ulatum. 

Elliptic.     Oval ;  as  the  leaves  of  Magnolia  glauca. 
Elongated.    Exceeding  the  common  or  average  length. 
Emarginate.     Having  a  notch  in  the  end.     Ex.  Canna  coccinea. 
Embryo.     The  same  as  corculum. 
Enneandrous.     With  nine  stamens. 

Ensiform.     Sword-shaped ;  two-edged ;  as  the  leaves  of  Iris  versicoior 
Entire.     Even  and  whole  at  the  edge ;  as  the  leaves  of  Rhus  vernix. 
Equitant.    Edges  of  the  leaves  alternately  lapping  over  each  other.    Ex 

Iris. 

Ephemeral.     Lasting  but  a  day. 
Epidermis.     See  Cuticle. 
Epigynous,     Above  the  germen. 
Eroded.     Appearing  as  if  gnawed  at  the  edge. 
Esculent.     Eatable. 
Evergreen.     Remaining  fresh  through  the  winter.     Not  deciduous.    Ex 

Kalmia. 
Exserted.     Projecting  or  extending  out  of  the  flower  or  sheath. 


BOTANICAL    TERMS.  471 

Endogcnus:  Increasing  on  the  inside.    Ex.  Cane. 
Exogenous.     Increasing  on  the  outside.     Ex.  Ooii. 

Falcate.     Sickle-shaped.     Linear  and  crooked 

farina.     The  pollen.     Also  meal  or  Hour. 

Farinaceous.     Mealy. 

fascicle.     A  bundle.     Ex  Sweet  William. 

Fascicled,  or  fasciculate.     Collected  in  bundles. 

Fast.igiate.     Flat  topped.     Ex.  Aster  unubellata. 

Fuvose.     Resembling  a  honey  comb. 

Ferns.  An  order  of  cryptogamous  plants  bearing  the  fructification  com- 
monly on  the  ba  k  of  the  leaf,  or  in  spikes,  nuuie  up  of  minute  cap- 
sules opening  transversely.  Ex.  PoK podium.  (ljoiijjj(>d.) 

Fertile.     Containing  perfect  pistils  and  yielding  fruit. 

Filiform.     Thread  like,  or  very  slender. 

Fnttbriat".     Finely  divided  at  the  edge,  like  fringe.  Ex.  Orchis  timbnata. 

Fislulous.     Hollow  or  tubular.     Ex.  Eupatoriuai  verticillatum. 

FLabelliform.     Spreading  like  a  fan. 

Fltigelliform,.     Like  a  whiplash. 

Fte.ruous.     Serpentine  or  zigxag. 

Floral  leaf.     See  Bract. 

Floral  envelopes.  The  calyx,  bract,  and  corolla,  which  envelope  the 
inner  parts  of  the  flower. 

Foot-stalk.     The  stalk  of  either  flower  or  leaf.     Ex.  Aster. 

Floret.     A  little  flower.     One  in  an  aggregate  or  compound  flower. 

Floscular.     A  floret  in  a  compound  flower  which  is  tubular,  not  ligulate. 

Follicle.  A  seed  vessel  which  opens  lengthwise,  or  on  one  side  only ; 
as  in  Apocynum  androsfemi  folium,  Fig.  130. 

Frond.     The  leaf  of  cryptogamous  plants.     Ex.  Fern. 

Fructification.     The  flower  and  fruit  with  their  parts. 

Frutescejit.     Becoming  shrubby. 

Fruticose.     Shrubby. 

Fugacious.     Lasting  only  for  a  short  time. 

Fungi.  The  order  of  cryptogamous  plants  to  which  the  mushrooms 
belong. 

Fungous.  Growing  rapidly  and  prcternaturally,  with  a  soft  texture  like 
the  fungi.  Ex.  Mushrooms,  (  Toad-stools.') 

Funnel-shaped.  Tubular  at  bottom  and  gradually  expanding  at  top  ; 
as  the  flowers  of  Datura  stramonium. 

Fulvous.     Yellow;  fox -colored. 

Furfuraceous.     Resembling  bran. 

Fusiform.  Spindle-shaped.  When  a  root  is  large  at  top  and  tapers 
downwards,  as  in  the  Carrot  and  Radish. 

Galls.    Excrescences  caused  by  the  bite  of  an  insect.    Ex.  Oak. 
Gemmaceous.     Belonging  to  a  bud.     Made  of  the  scales  of  a  bud. 
Generic.     Belonging  to  a  genus. 
Oeniculate.     Bent  like  a  knee. 

Genus.     A  family  of  plants  agreeing  in  their  flower  and  fruit. 
Germ.     The  lower  part  of  the  pistil,  which  afterwards  becomes  the  fruit. 
Germination.     The  sprouting  of  a  seed. 
Gibbous.     Swelled  out,  commonly  on  one  side. 

Glabrous.     Smooth,  as  it  regards  hairiness  or  pubescence.     Ex.  Kalmia. 
Gland.      A   small   roundish   appendage,   apparently   performing    some 
function  of  secretion  or  excretion.    Ex.  Moss  Rose. 
41 


472  GLOSSARY  OF 

Glandular  pubescence.     Hairs  tipped  with  little  heads  or  glands. 

Glaucous.     Sea  green.    Pale  bluish  green. 

Glume.     The  scales,  valves,  or  chaff,  which  make  the  calyx  and  corolla 

of  the  grasses.     Ex.  the  Oat. 
Glutinous.     Adhesive,  viscid,  covered  with  an  adhesive  fluid.     Ex.  .jal- 

via  glutinosa. 

Gramina.     Grasses,  and  grass-like  plants.     Ex.  Wheat. 
Gramineous.     Resembling  grasses. 
Granular.     Formed  of  grains ;  or  covered  with  grains. 
Gymnospermous.     Having  naked  seeds.     Ex.  Mint 
Gynandrous.     Having  the  stamens  growing  on  the  pistils.    Ex.  Ladies' 

slipper. 
Gyrose.     Turning  round  like  a  crook. 

Habit.     The  general  external  appearance  of  a  plant,  by  which  it  is  known 

at  sight. 

Halberd-shaped.     See  Hastate. 
Hastate.     Shaped  like  a  halberd.     It  differs  from  arrow-shaped  in  having 

the  barbs  or  lateral  portions  more  distinct  and  divergent.     Ex.  Pre- 

nanthes  alba. 
Head.     A  dense,  round  collection  of  flowers,  which  are  nearly   sessile. 

Ex.  Clover. 

Helmet-.     The  concave  upper  lip  of  a  labiate  flower. 
Jleptandrous.     Having  seven  stamens.     Ex.  Trientalis. 
Herb.     All  that  portion  of  a  plant  which  is  not  included  in  the  root,  or 

fructification ;  as  the  stem,  leaves,  &c. 
Herbaceous.     Not  woody.    Ex.  Indian  Corn,  Cabbage. 
Hexandrous.     With  six  stamens.   Ex.  Lily,  Tulip. 
Hilum.     The  scar  or  mark  on  a  seed,  where  it  was  attached  to  the  plant, 

or  seed  vessel. 

Hirsute.     Rough  with  hairs.    Ex.  Agrimonia  eupatoria. 
Hispid.     Bristly.     More  than  hirsute.     Ex.  Justicia  ciliaris. 
Hooded.     See  Cucullate. 
Horn.     See  Spur. 
Hyaline.     Crystalline ;  transparent. 
Hybrid.     A  mongrel  or  intermediate  species  between  two  others,  from 

which  it  is  descended. 
Hypocrateriform.     Salver-shaped.     With  a  tube  abruptly  expanded  into 

a  flat  border. 
Hypo  gy  nous.     Situated  below  the  germen. 

Icosandrous.  Having  about  twenty  stamens  growing  on  the  calyx  and 
not  on  the  receptacle.  Belonging  to  the  class  Icosandria. 

Imbricate.     Lying  over  each  other  like  scales,  or  the  shingles  of  a  roof. 

Included.  Wholly  received  or  contained  in  a  cavity.  The  opposite  of 
exserled. 

Incrassated.     Thickened  upward.     Larger  toward  the  end. 

Incumbent.     Lying  against,  or  across. 

Indigenous.     Native.     Growing  originally  in  a  country.  , 

Indusium.  Plural,  Indusia.  The  involucre  or  veil  which  covers  the  fruit 
of  Ferns. 

Indehiscent.     Not  gaping,  or  opening  by  valves. 

Inferior.  Lowermost.  Used  to  express  the  relative  situation  of  the  ca- 
lyx and  germ.  An  inferior  flower  is  one  in  which  the  calyx  and 
corolla  are  below  the  ovarium.  Ex.  Rhexia  Virginica. 

Itijlated.     Tumid  uiiJ  hollow.     Blown  up  like  a  bladder. 


BOTANICAL    TERMS.  473 

Inflorescence.  The  manner  in  which  the  flowers  are  situated  or  connect- 
ed with  the  plant,  and  with  each  other. 

fnj'undibuliform.     Funnel  shape,  which  see. 

Inserted  into.     Growing  out  of. 

Internode.     The  space  between  joints. 

Interruptedly  pinnate.  When  smaller  leaflets  are  interposed  among  the 
principal  ones.  Ex.  Agrimonia  Eupatorise.  , 

Involucre,  or  Involucrum.  A  sort  of  general  calyx  serving  for  many 
flowers ;  generally  situated  at  the  base  of  an  umbel,  or  head  ;  as  in 
Conium  maculatum. 

Involucel.     A  partial  involucre. 

Irregular  corolla.     Having  its  upper  and  lower  sides  unlike.   Ex.  Violet 

Joints.     The  places  where  two  pieces  of  stem  are  articulated. 

Keel.     The  under  petal  of  a  papilionaceous  flower.     Also  the  lower  side 

of  the  midrib  of  a  leaf. 
Keeled.     Shaped  like  a  keel. 
Kernel.     The  nucleus  or  seed  of  a  nut. 
Kidney-shaped.     Heart-shaped  without  the  point,  and  broader  than  long. 

Labellum.     The  front  section  of  an  orchideous  flower. 

Labiate.  Having  an  upper  and  lower  lip,  as  in  flowers  of  the  class 
Didynainia,  Fig.  113. 

Laciniate.     Cut,  torn,  and  jagged,  page  31. 

Lactescent.     Yielding  a  white,  or  milky  juice,  when  wounded. 

Lamellated.     In  thin  plates. 

Lamina.  The  border  or  flat  end  of  a  petal,  in  distinction  from  its  claw. 
Also  a  thin  layer,  plate,  or  membrane  of  any  kind. 

Lanceolate.  Spear-shaped.  Narrow,  with  both  ends  acute,  as  in  the 
leaves  of  Erythronium  Americanum. 

Lanuginous.     "Woolly. 

Lateral.     At  the  side. 

Leaf-bud.     That  part  of  the  plant  by  which  the  individual  is  propagated. 

Leaflet.     A  partial  leaf.     A  constituent  of  a  compound  leaf. 

Legume.  A  pod  or  seed-vessel  having  its  seeds  attached  to  one  side  or 
suture  ;  commonly  of  a  long  form  and  not  jointed,  Fig.  136. 

Leguminous.     Bearing  legumes. 

Liber.     The  inner  bark. 

Ligneous.     Woody. 

Ligulate.  Ribbon-shaped.  A  kind  of  corolla  found  in  compound  flow- 
ers, consisting  of  a  tube  at  bottom,  continued  into  a  long  flat  portion 
at  top  ;  as  in  the  florets  of  the  Dandelion. 

liliaceous.     Resembling  the  Lily. 

Limb.     The  border  or  spreading  part  of  a  rnonopetalous  corolla. 

Linear.     Long  and  very  narrow,  with  parallel  sides;  as  the  leaves  of 


Lip.  The  upper  or  under  side  of  the  mouth  of  a  labiate  corolla  or  necta- 
ry. In  Orchideous  plants,  the  lower  lip  of  the  nectary  is  usually  the 
most  conspicuous  part  of  the  flower. 

Lobe.     A  large  division  or  distinct  portion  of  a  leaf  or  petal. 

Lobed.     Divided  into  lobes ;  as  the  leaves  of  Laurus  sassafras,  Fig.  47. 

Loculicidel  dehiscence.  When  the  valves  open  vertically,  the  compart- 
ments remaining,  as  in  Lilac,  Lily. 

Lament.  A  pod  resembling  a  legume,  but  divided  by  transverse  parti- 
tions. 


474  GLOSSARY    OF 

[sun ate.     Shaped  like  a  half  moon,  Fig.  36. 

Lurale.     Pinnaiifid,  with  a  large  roundish  leaflet  at  the  end,  Fig.  3S 

Marccscent.     Withering. 

Maritime.     Growing  near  the  salt  water. 

Mcdul'a.     The  pith. 

Membranous.     Very  thin  and  delicate. 

Midrib.     The  large  central  vein  of  a  leaf  which  is  the  continuation  of  the 

petiole. 
Monaddphous.     Having  the  stamens  united  into  a  tube  at  base.     Ex 

Mallows. 

Monandrous.     Having  one  stamen.     Ex.  Saltwort. 
Moniliform.     Arranged  like  the  beads  of  a  necklace. 
Moncedous.     Having  barren  and  fertile  flowers  on  the  same  plant.     Ex. 

Alder. 

Monogynous.     With  one  style.     Ex.  Lily. 
Monopetalous.     Having  but  one  petal,  i.  e.  the  corolla  of  one  piece.     Ex. 

Datura. 

Monophyllous.     Consisting  of  one  leaf,  or  piece. 
Musses.     The  second  order  of  the  class  Cryptogamia.  Small  plants,  with 

lids  on  the  capsule,  Fig.  '212. 

Mucronate.     Having  a  small  point  projecting  from  an  obtuse  end. 
Multipartite.     Many-parted.     Ex.  Leaf  of  Yarrow. 
Muricate.     Covered  with  sharp  spines  or  prickles.     Ex.  Panicum  muri- 

catum. 
Musci.     See  Mosses. 

Nectariferous.     Bearing  honey. 

Nectary.     The  part  of  the  flower  which  produces  honey.     The  term  is 

also  applied  in  certain  instances  to  an  internal,  supernumerary  part  of 

the  calyx  or  corolla,  Fig.  118. 
Serves.     Parallel  veins. 

Nerved.     Marked  with  nerves.     Ex.  Narrow  Plantain. 
Nodding.     Inclining  to  one  side.     Partly  drooping. 
Nucleus.     The  kernel  or  seed  of  a  nut. 
Nut.     A  seed  inclosed  in  a  hard  shell.     Hazlc-nut. 

Ob.  A  particle,  which,  when  prefixed  to  any  other  term,  denotes  the  in- 
version of  the  usual  position ;  as  obovate,  obcordate,  &c.,  i.  e.  in- 
versely ovate,  inversely  cordate,  &c. 

Obconic.     Conic  with  the' apex  downward. 

Obcordate.     Heart-shaped,  with  the  point  inward,  or  downward. 

Oblong.     Longer  than  the  oval,  with  the  sides  nearly  parallel,  Fig.  30. 

Oborate.     Ovate,  but  inverted. 

Obsolete.     Indistinct,  appearing  as  if  worn  out. 

Obtuse.     Blunt,  rounded,  not  acute,  Fig.  52. 

Ochroleucous.     Whitish  yellow. 

Octandrous.     With  eight  stamens.     Ex.  Epilobium. 

Officinal.     Kept  for  sale  as  medicinal. 

Opaque.     Not  transparent. 

Opcrculum.     The  lid  which  covers  the  capsules  of  mosses. 

Opposite.  Standing  directly  against  each  other  on  opposite  sides  of  the 
stem;  os  the  leaves  of  Spigelia  Marilandica,  Fig.  78. 

Orbicular.     Circular,  Fig.  26. 

Orchideous  plants,    A  natural  order  of  plants  in  the  class  Gynandria, 


BOTANICAL    TERMS.  475 

having  irregular  flowers,  a  remarkable  lip,  and  glutinous  pollen. 

Related  to  the  genus  Orchis. 

Oval.     Elliptical ;  on  the  leaves  of  Magnolia  glauca,  Fig.  29. 
Ovate.     Egg-shaped.     Oval,  with  the  lower  end  largest ;  as  the  leaves  of 

Sabbatia  angularis,  Fig.  27. 
Ovarium.     The  part  formerly  called  germen. 
Ovules.     The  young  seeds  of  the  plant,  contained  in  the  ovarium. 

Palate.  A  large  obtuse  projection  which  covers  the  throat  of  a  personate 
flower,  Fig.  113. 

Palaceous.     Chaffy.     Ex.  Receptacle  of  Bidens. 

Palmate.  Hand-shaped.  Deeply  divided  into  spreading  and  somewhat 
equal  segments;  as  the  leaves  of  Podophyllum  peitatum,  Fig.  46. 

Panduriform.     Contracted  in  the  middle,  like  a  violin,  Fig.  39. 

Panicle.  A  loose,  irregular  bunch  of  flowers,  with  subdivided  branches. 
Ex.  Grasses,  Fig.  1'29. 

Papilionaceous.  Having  an  irregular  corolla,  like  the  Pea  blossom,  con- 
sisting of  four  petals,  of  which  the  uppermost  is  called  the  banner ; 
the  two  lateral  ones  wings ;  and  the  lower  one,  which  is  commonly 
boat-shaped,  the  keel.  Mostly  belonging  to  the  class  Diadelphia, 
Fig.  116.  • 

Pappus.     The  down  of  seeds.     A  feathery  appendage,  Fig.  145. 

Parasitic.     Growing  on  another  plant  and  drawing  nourishment  from  it. 

Parenchyma.     The  cellular  substance  of  vegetables.     Ex.  Mushrooms. 

Partial.  This  term  is  applied  to  small  or  constituent  parts  in  distinction 
from  general. 

Partition.     The  dividing  wall  in  seed  vessels,  Fig.  135. 

Parted.     Deeply  divided,  more  than  cleft.     Ex.  Corolla  of  Trientalis. 

Pectinate.  Like  the  teeth  of  a  comb.  Intermediate  between  fimbriate 
and  pinnatifid. 

Pedate.  Having  a  central  segment  or  leaf  which  is  simple  and  two  lat- 
eral ones  which  are  compound,  Fig.  64. 

Pedicel.     The  ultimate  branch  of  a  peduncle.     A  little  stalk. 

Peduncle.  A  stem  bearing  flowers  or  fruit,  which  is  the  branch  of  an- 
other stem. 

Pellicle.     A  very  thin  stratum  or  coat. 

Peltate.  Having  the  stalk  attached  to  some  part  of  the  surface  or  disk, 
and  not  the  margin,  Fig.  80. 

Pendulous.     Hanging  down. 
'  Pencilled.     Ending  like  a  painter's  pencil  or  brush. 

Pentandrous.     Having  five  stamens.     Ex.  Class  Pentandria,  Violet 

Perennial.     Lasting  more  than  two  years.     Ex.  Oak,  Rose-bush.       % 

Perfect  Jlower.  One  which  possesses  stamens  and  pistils,  and  produces 
fruit. 

Perfoliate.  Surrounding  the  stem  on  all  sides,  and  perforated  by  it.  It 
differs  from  connate,  in  not  consisting  of  two  leaves.  Ex.  Eupato- 
rium  perfoliatum. 

Perianth.  A  sort  of  calyx  which  is  immediately  contiguous  to  the  othei 
parts  of  fructification,  Fig.  101. 

Pericarp.  A  seed  vessel,  or  whatever  contains  the  seed.  Ex.  Pea  pod, 
page  71 . 

Permanent.     See  persistent. 

Persistent.  Not  falling  off.  Those  parts  of  a  flower  are  persistent 
which  remain  till  the  fruit  is  ripe. 

Perio-ynous.     Inserted  into  the  calyx. 
41* 


476  GLOSSARY    OF 

Personate.  Masked.  Having  the  mouth  of  the  corolla  closed  by  a 
prominent  palate,  Fig.  113. 

Petal.     The  leaf  of  a  corolla,  usually  colored,  Fig.  115. 

Petaloid.     Resembling  petals. 

Pttiole.     The  stalk  wnich  supports  a  leaf,  Fig.  22. 

Phasnogamous.  Not  Cryptogamous.  Applied  to  all  plants  which  have 
visible  stamens  and  pistils.  Ex.  Lily,  Apple. 

Pilose.     Hairy.     With  a  stiff  pubescence. 

Pinnce.     The  leaflets  or  divisions  of  a  pinnate  leaf.     Ex.  Cassia. 

Pinnate.  A  leaf  is  pinnate  when  the  leaflets  are  arranged  in  two  rowa 
on  the  sides  of  a  common  Petiole ;  as  in  the  Rhus  vernix,  Fig.  66. 

Pinnatifid.  Cut  in  a  pinnate  manner.  It  differs  from  pinnate  in  con- 
sisting of  a  simple  continuous  leaf,  not  compound,  Fig.  43. 

Pistil.  A  constituent  part  of  a  flower,  including  the  germ,  style,  and 
stigma.  In  a  regular  flower  it  forms  the  central  part. 

Pistillate.     Having  pistils,  but  no  stamens. 

Plaited.  Folded  like  a  ruffle  or  fan ;  as  the  leaves  of  Veratrum  viride, 
Fig.  60. 

Plumose.     Feathery.     Feather-like,  Fig.  147. 

Plumula.  Part  of  the  Corculum  of  a  seed,  which  afterwards  forms  a 
new  plant  with  the  exception  of  a  root,  Fig.  144. 

Pod.  A  dry  seed  vessel,  not  pulpy ;  most  commonly  applied  to  legumes 
and  siliques. 

Pointal.     See  Pistil. 

Polydelphous.  Belonging  to  the  class  Polydelphia,  in  which  the  stamena 
are  united  into  several  parcels.  Ex.  Hypericum,  (St.  John's  -wort.) 

Polyandrous.  Having  many  disconnected  stamens  inserted  into  the  re- 
ceptacle. Ex.  Water  Lily. 

Polycotyledonous.     Having  seeds  with  more  than  two  cotyledons 

Polygamous.  Having  some  flowers  which  are  perfect,  and  others  which 
have  stamens  only,  or  pistils  only. 

Polygynous.     Having  many  styles. 

Polymorphous.     Changeable.     Assuming  a  variety  of  forms. 

Polypetalous.     Having  many  petals.     Ex.  The  Rose. 

Polyphyllous.     Having  many  leaves. 

Pome.     A  pulpy  fruit  having  a  capsule  within  it ;  as  the  apple,  Fig.  142. 

Premorse.     Bitten  off.     The  same  as  abrupt. 

Prickle.  The  prickle  differs  from  the  thorn  in  being  fixed  to  the  bark 
only,  and  not  to  the  wood,  Fig.  91. 

Prismatic.     Having  several  parallel,  flat  sides. 

Procumbent.     Lying  on  the  ground. 

P'Koliferous.     An  umbel  or  flower  is  said  to  be  proliferous  when  it  has 


smaller  ones  growing  out  of  it. 
Pseudopinnate.     Falsely  or  imperfectly  pii 
Pubescent.     Hairy  or  downy.     Ex.  Mulle 


linnate. 

Hairy  or  downy.     Ex.  Mullein. 
Pulp.     The  soft,  juicy,  cellular  substance  found  in  berries  and  similar 

fruits. 

Pulpy.     Filled  with  pulp.    Ex.  Orange. 
Pulverulefit.     Dusty.     Composed  of  powder,  or  appearing  as  if  covered 

with  it. 
Punctate.     Appearing  as  if  pricked  full  of  small  holes,  or  dots.    Ex. 

Hypericum. 

Puncttform.     Resembling  dots. 
Pungent.     Sharp,  acrid,  pricking. 

Putamen.     The  inner  part  of  a  nar-d  pericarp.    Ex.  Peach  stone. 
Pyriform.     Shaped  like  a  pear. 


BOTANICAL    TERMS.  477 

Quadrifid.     Divided  four  times. 
Quaternate      Four  together. 
Quinate.     Five  together. 
Quinquefid.     Divided  into  five  parts. 

Raceme.     A  cluster  ;    a  kind  of  inflorescence,  in  which  the  flowers  are 

arranged  by  simple  pedicels  on  the  sides  of  a  common  peduncle 

Fig.  127. 
Rac/iis.     The  common  stalk  to  which  the  florets  and  spikelets  of  grasses 

are  attached.     Also  the  midrib  of  some  leaves  and  fronds. 
Radiate.     Having  ligulate  florets  placed  like  rays  at  the  circumference, 

as  in  certain  compound  flowers ;    or  having  the  outer  petals  largest, 

as  in  certain  cymes  and  umbels.     Ex.  Aster. 

Radical.     Growing  immediately  from  the  root.     Ex.  Dandelion,  Fig.  7G. 
Radicle.     The  part  of  the  corculum  which  afterwards   forms  the  root. 

Also  the  minute  branch  of  the  root,  Fig.  144. 
Ray.     The  diverging  florets  or  petals  which  form  the  outside  of  radiate 

flowers,  cymes,  and  umbels.     Ex.  Helianthus. 
Receptacle.     The  end  of  a  flower  stalk,  being  the  base  to  which  most  or 

all  the  parts  of  fructification  are  attached,  Fig.  154. 
Reclined  or  Reclining.     Bending  over,  with  one  end  inclining  towards 

the  ground. 

Recurved.     Curved  backwards. 
Refle.red.     Bent  backward,  more  than  recurved. 

Reniform.     Kidney-shaped.     Heart-shaped,  without  the  point,  Fig.  34. 
Repand.     Slightly  wavy  or  serpentine  at  the  edge ;  as  the  leaves  of  Men- 

yanthes  trifoliata. 

Resupinate.     Turned  upside  down  ;  as  the  leaves  ofJuniperus  communis. 
Reticulate.     Net- like.     Having  veins  distributed  like  net-work,  Fig.  58. 
Retuse.     Having  a  slight  sinus,  or  superficial  notch  in  the  end.  Less  than 

emarginate. 

Revolute.     Rolled  backward  or  outward. 
Rhomboidal.     Having  four  sides  with  unequal  angles. 
Ribbed.     Marked  with  parallel  ridges  or  veins,  Fig.  57. 
Ringent.     Irregular,  with  an  upper  and  under  lip.     See  Labiate. 
Rooting.     Sending  out  lateral  roots. 
Rostellum.     See  radicle. 

Rostrate.     Furnished  with  a  beak.     Ex.  Fruit  of  the  geraniums. 
Rotate.     Wheel-shaped.     Flat  without  a  tube ;  as  in  the  flowers  of  Sola 

num  dulcamara,  Fig.  112. 
Rugose.     Wrinkled,  Fig.  59. 
Runcinate.     Having  large  teeth  pointing  backward ;    as  the  leaves  of  the 

Dandelion,  Fig.  40. 

Saccate.     Having  a  bag  or  pouch. 

Sagittate.     Arrow-shaped.     Like  the  head  of  an  arrow,  Fig.  37. 

Salver-shaped.     See  Hypocrateriform. 

Samara.     A  seed  vessel  not  opening  by  valves,  having  a  winged  or  mena- 

branaceous  appendage. 
Sarmentose.     Running  on  the  ground  and  striking  roots  from  the  joints, 

as  the  strawberry. 

Sarcocarp.     The  hard  or  bony  part  of  a  nut  or  shell. 
Scape.     A  stalk  which  springs  from  the  root,  and  supports  flowers  and 

fruit,  but  no  leaves. 
Scabrous.     Rough. 


478  GLOSSARY    OF 

Scarious.     Having  a  thin,  membranous  margin. 

Scions.     Lateral  snoots  or  off-sets  from  the  root. 

Scrobiculate.     Covered  with  deep,  round  pits. 

Seed  vessel.     A  vessel  enclosing  the  seed. 

/Seed.     That  part  of  the  plant  with  propagates  the  species. 

Segment.     A  part  or  principal  division  of  a  leaf,  calyx,  or  corolla. 

Semibivalvular.     Half  divided  into  two  valves. 

Seminal  leaves.  The  first  leaves  of  a  plant,  or  those  formed  from  the  co- 
tyledons. 

Sepals.     The  segments  of  the  calyx. 

Sericeous.     Silky. 

Serrate.  Notched  like  the  teeth  of  a  saw,  the  points  tending  upward  ; 
as  in  the  Strawberry  and  Rose  leaves,  Fig.  47. 

Serrulate.     Minutely  serrate. 

Sf.s&ile  Placed  immediately  on  the  stem,  without  the  intervention  of  a 
stalk  —  as  the  leaves  of  the  iSpigelia  Marllandica,  Fig.  73. 

Setaceous.     Bristle- like. 

Sheath.     A  tubular  or  folded  leafy  portion,  enclosing  the  stem. 

Silicic.  A  seed  vessel  constructed  like  a  silique,  but  not  longer  than  it  is 
broad,  Fig.  134. 

Silique.  A  long  pod  or  seed  vessel  of  two  valves,  having  its  seed  attached 
to  the  two  edges  alternately,  Fig.  134. 

Sili(juose.     Having  siliques. 

Simple.     Not  divided,  branched,  or  compounded. 

Sinuate.     Having  sinuses  at  the  edge,  Fig.  42. 

Sinus.     A  large  rounded  indentation  or  cavity. 

Sori.  Plural  of  Sorus.  The  most  common  fruit  of  ferns,  consisting  of 
small  clusters  of  minute  capsules  on  the  back  of  the  leaf. 

Spadix.  An  elongated  receptacle  of  flowers,  commonly  proceeding  from 
a  spathe  ;  as  in  Arum  triphyllum,  Fig.  130. 

Spathe.  A  sheathing  calyx  opening  lengthwise  on  one  side,  and  con- 
sisting of  one  or  more  valves.  See  Spadix. 

Spatulate,  or  spathulate.  Obtuse  or  large  at  the  end,  and  gradually  ta- 
pering into  a  stalk  at  base  ;  as  in  the  leaves  of  Statice  Caroliniana. 

Species.  A  group  or  subdivision  of  plants  agreeing  with  each  other  not 
only  in  their  fructification,  but  in  all  other  essential  and  permanent 
parts ;  and  always  reproducing  the  same  kind. 

Specific.     Belonging  to  a  species  only. 

Spike.  A  kind  of  inflorescence  in  which  the  flowers  are  sessile  or  nearly 
so  on  the  sides  of  a  long  peduncle,  Fig.  128. 

Spikclet.     A  small  spike. 

Spindle-shaped.     See  Fusiform,  Fig.  1. 

Spine.     A  thorn,  or  sharp  process  growing  from  the  wood,  Fig.  90. 

Spur.  A  sharp  hollow  projection  from  a  flower,  commonly  the  nectary, 
Fig.  118. 

Squamiform.     Scale-shaped. 

S(ftiarrose  or  squarrous.    Ragged.    Having  reflected  or  divergent  scales. 

Stamen.  The  part  of  the  flower  on  which  the  Linnaean  classes  are  found- 
ed. It  commonly  consists  of  the  Jilament,  or  stalk,  and  the  anther 
which  contains  the  pollen,  Fig.  97. 

Stamina te.     Having  stamens,  but  no  pistils. 

Standard.     See  Banner,  Fig.  116. 

Stellate.     Like  a  star,  Fig.  79. 

Stem.     A  general  supporter  of  leaves,  flowers,  and  fruit. 

Stemlcss.     Having  no  stem,  properly  so  called,  but  only  a  scape,  Fig.  21. 


BOTANICAL    TERMS.  479 

Sterile.     Barren. 

Stigma.     The  summit  or  extremity  of  the  pistil,  Fig.  98. 
Stipe.     The  stem  of  a  fern,  or  fungus ;  also  the  stem  of  the  down  of  seeds 
also  a  particular  stalk  of  germs,  seeds,  &c.,  which  is  superadded  to 

the  pedicel,  Fig.  25. 
Stipitate.     Supported  by  a  stipe. 
Stipule.     A   leafy  appendage  situated  at  the  base  of  petioles  or  leaves, 

Fig.  87. 

Stipular.     Belonging  to  stipules. 

Stoloniferous.     Having  scions  or  running  shoots.     Ex.  Indian  corn. 
Striate.     Marked  with  fine  parallel  lines. 
Strigose.     Bristly. 
Strobile.     A  cone ;  an  ament  with  woody  or  rigid  scales,  as  in  the  fruit 

of  pines,  firs,  &c.,  Fig.  143. 
Style.     The  part  of  the  pistil  which  is  between  the  germ  and  stigma. 

Fig.  98. 
Sub.     A  particle  prefixed  to  various  terms,  to  imply  the  existence  of  a 

quality  in  a  diminutive  or  inferior  degree,  as 
Subacute.     Somewhat  acute.     Less  than  acute,  &c. 
Subsessile.     Nearly  sessile. 
Subserrate.     Slightly  serrate,  &c. 

Subulate.     A  wl-shaped.     Narrow,  stiff,  and  sharp  pointed,  Fig.  33. 
Succulent.     Juicy.     Ex  Peach,  Orange. 
Sucker.     A  shoot  from  the  root,  or  lower  part  of  the  stern. 
Sujfruticose.     Somewhat  shrubby.     Shrubby  at  base. 
Sulcate.     Furrowed. 

Supradecompound.     More  than  decompound.     Many  times  subdivided. 
Suture.     The  linear  seam  formed  by  the  junction  of  two  valves  of  a 

seed  vessel,  Fig.  134. 

Tendril.     A  filiform  appendage  of  certain  vines,  which  supports  them  bv 

twining  round  other  objects. 
Terete.     Round,  cylindrical. 
Terminal.     Extreme,  situated  at  the  end. 

Ternate.     Three  together  ;   as  the  leaves  of  Menyanthes  trifoliata. 
Tetradynamous.     Having  four  long  and  two  short  stamens. 
Tetrandrous.     Having  four  stamens. 
Thorn.     See  Spine. 

Throat.     The  passage  into  the  tube  of  a  corolla. 
Thyrse.     A  close,  compact  panicle. 

Tomentose.     Downy.     Covered  with  fine  matted  pubescence. 
Triandrous.     With  three  stamens. 
Trifid.     Three-cleft. 

Trifoliate.     Three-leaved.     See  Ternate. 
Trilobate.     Three-lobed. 
Trilocular.     Three-celled. 
Tripartite.     Three-parted. 
Trivial  name.     The  specific  name. 
Truncate.     Having  a  blunt  termination,  as  if  cut  off,  as  the  leaves  ui 

Liriodendron  tulipifera. 
Tuber.  A  solid,  fleshy  'knob. 
Tuberous.  Thick  and  fleshy,  containing  tubers  ;  as  the  roots  of  the  Po 

tato,  Preony,  &c. 
Tubular.     Shaped  like  a  tube.     In  a  compound  flower,  the  florets  which 

are  not  ligulate,  are  called  tubular. 


4W)  GLOSSARY    OF    BOTANICAL   TERMS, 

T\m  iraUd.    Coated  with  concentric  layers,  as  the  Onion. 
Turbinate.     Shaped  like  a  top  or  pear. 

Umbel.     A  kind  of  inflorescence  in  which  the  flower  stalks  diverge  from 

one  centre,  like  rays ;  as  in  Conium  macidatum. 
Umbeliferous.     Bearing  umbels. 
Umbilicate.     Marked  with  a  central  depression. 
Unarmed.    Without  prickles  or  thorns. 
Uncinate.     Hooked,  hook-shaped. 

Undulated.     Wavy,  serpentine,  gently  rising  and  lalling. 
Unguicidate.     Inserted  by  a  claw. 
Unilateral.    Growing  all'on  one  side,  or  with  the  flowers  leaning  to  one 

Urceolate.  Pitcher-shaped.  Swelling  in  the  middle,  and  slightly  con- 
tracted at  top. 

Valves.  The  segments  or  parts  of  a  seed  vessel,  into  which  it  finally 
separates.  Also  the  leaves  which  make  up  the  glume  or  spathe. 

Vasculares.  Plants  with  spiral  vessels,  woody  stems,  and  reticulated 
leaves,  one  of  the  divisions  of  Lindley's  system. 

Variety.  A  subdivision  of  a  species,  distinguished  only  by  characters 
which  are  not  permanent ;  and  which  does  not,  with  certainty,  repro- 
duce its  kind ;  as  the  varieties  of  /ti/tjw,  peaches,  &c. 

Vaulted.     Arched  over,  whh  a  concave  covering. 

Veined.  Having  the  divisions  of  the  petiole  irregularly  branched  on  the 
under  side  of  the  leaf. 

Ventricose.     SweUing.     Inflated. 

Verrucose.     Warty.     Covered  with  little  protuberances. 

Vertical.     Perpendicular. 

VerticWaU.  Whorled.  Having  leaves  given  off  in  a  circle  round  the 
stem. 

Vesicular.    Made  of  vesicles  or  little  bladders. 

ViUous.     Hairy,  the  hair  long  and  soft. 

Virgate.     Long  and  slender.     Wand-like. 

Virose.     Poisonous,  nauseous  and  strong  to  the  smell. 

Viscid.     Thick,  glutinous,  covered  witlTadhesive  juice. 

Vitellus.  A  part  of  certain  seeds  distinct  from  the  albumen,  but  not  ri- 
sing out  of  the  ground  at  germination. 

Viviparous.     Producing  a  collateral  offspring  by  means  of  bulbs. 

Wedge-shaped.     Formed  fike  a  wedge,  and  commonly  rounded  at  the 

largest  end. 

Wheel-shaped.     See  Rotate. 

Wingt.     The  two  lateral  petals  of  a  papilionaceous  flower. 
Winged.     Having  the  sides  extended  into  a  leafy  expansion. 


INDEX 

TO  THE 

COMMON     NAME  S. 


A. 

Carrot,  .     .         340 

G. 

ADDER'S  TONGUE,  452 

Catnep,       .          388 

Gale,      .    .     ,     448 

Alder,    ...     436 

Catch-fly,    .          368 

Germander,      .     387 

Agrimony,  .     .     373 

Chestnut,    .  „       440 

Gentian,                337 

American  laurel.  363 
Arrow-head,    .     438 

Clot-  weed,            437  1  Geranium,       .     39? 
Club-moss,            452  Great  burnet,  ,     318 

Ash,        ...    445 

Club-rush,  .          301 

Glass-wort,      .     291 

Avena.    .     .     .     376 

Clover,    .     .         403 

Grass  of  Par- 

B. 

Corn-cocle,           370 

nassus,      .     343 

Balsam,       .     .     332 

Columbine,           381 

Golden  rod,     .     416 

Bane-berry,      .    380 

Cow-wheat,          395 

Goose-foot,      .     33S 

Barberry,    .     .     347 

Cotton-grass,        303 

Ground  ivy,     .    388 

Bass-wood,      .    379 

Crab-grass,           313 

Groundsel,       .     416 

Beard-grass,    .     314 

Cranberry,  .         355 

Gromwell,  .     .     337 

Bear-berry,      .    362 

Crowfoot,    .          386 

Ground-cherry,    331 

Beach  tree,      .      44 

Cud-weed,  .          411 

Gum-tree,  .     .441 

Beach  drops,    .    393 

Currant,      .          335 

Bed  straw,       .    317 

Cypress-grass,      303 

H. 

Bell  flower,      .    331 
Bell-wort,   .     .     348 

D. 

Hair-grass,      .     311 
Hawthorn,       .     373 

Bladder-nut,    .    343 

Day  lily,      .     .     347 

Hazlenut.  .     .     439 

Bladder-wort,       292 

Dandelion,  .     .     407 

Hawkweed,     .     408 

Bind-weed,      .    330 

Darnel,  .          .311 

Hedge-mustard,   396 

Birch  tree,       .    440  Dead  nettle,     .    388 

Hedge-hyssop,     293 

Bird's  nest,      .    365  Dock,     ...    252 

Hemlock,  .     .     341 

Blood-root,      .     380,  Dodder,       .     .    338 

Henbane,    .     .     330 

Blue-eyed-grass,  300  Dog's  tooth  violet,348 

Hickory,     .     .     441 

Blue  curls,       .    390iDogVbane,     .     336  Holly,    .     .     .     3-20 

Black  snakeroot,  381  Dragon's  claw,     424  !  Honeywort,     .     339 

Bog-rush,    .     .    302  Duckmeat,       ,    275 

Honeysuckle,  .     332 

Brake,    ...    451 

Horsetail,   .     .     453 

Brook-weed,    .    329 

E. 

Horehound,     .     388 

Buck-bean,      .    329 

Elm,       ...    339 

Hound's  tongue,  328 

Burr-marigold,     420 

Hop-horn-beam,  441 

Bush-clover,    .    403 

F. 

Hyssop,      .    .    38~ 

Burdock,     .     .    409 

False  sanicle,  .     367 

Button-bush,    .    316 

Feather-grass,      306 

I.     * 

Buttonwood,    .    441 

Fescue-grass,       310 

Indian  fig,  .     .     372 

Flax,      ...    344 

Indian  chick  weed  314 

C. 

Flea-bane,  .     .    412 

Indian  ginger,  .    425 

Campion,     .    .    386 

Flower-de-luce,   300 

Indian  cucumber,  352 

Cats-tail-grass,     307 
Canary-grass,       307 

Flowering  fern,    300 
Foxtail-grass,       307 

Indian  turnip,  .    441 
Indian  mallow,     396 

482                     INDEX    TO    THE    COMMON    NAMES. 

J. 

P. 

Sun-dew,     .    .     344 

Juniper,      .     .    447 

Panic-grass,     .     312 

Painted  cup,     .     393 

T. 

K. 

Partridge  berry,    318 

Tansey,       .     .     411 

Kidney  bean,  .     404 

Pea,        ...     402 

Teasel,  .     .     .     316 

Knavel       .     .     368 

Pepperwort,     .     395 

Thistle,        •     '     409 

Pig-weed,    .     .     437 

Thrift,    ...     334 

L. 

Pimpernel,       .     328 

Thoroughwort,     4  10 

Ladies'  slipper,     424 

Pine,      ...     442 

Toad-flax,  .     .     391 

Ladies'  tresses,     423 

Plantain,     .     .     319 

Thornapple,      .     330 

Ladies'  smock,     395 

Plumb,    ...     372 

Toothache-tree,    446 

Leather-wood,      356 

Poke,     ...     371 

Tupelo,        .     .     446 

Lettuce,      .     .     408 

Pond-weed,      .     320 

Tway-blade,     .     423 

Lily,       ...     348 

Poplar,   ...     447 

Liverwort,  .     .     383 

Prim,      ...     292 

V. 

Lizard's  tail,    .     353 

Purslane,     .     .     379 

Vernal-grass,  .     307 

Loose  strife,     .     320 

Vervain,           .     390 

Lousewort,      .     392 

Q. 

Vetch,    ...     402 

Lupine,       .     .     402 

Quaking-grass,     308 

Vine,      ...     335 

Lyme-grass,     .     311 

Violet,    .     .     •     333 

R. 

Viper's  bugloss,    328 

M. 

Rattlebox,  .     .     402 

Virgin's  bovver,     382 

Mallow,       .     .     398 

Reed-grass,      .     308 

Maple,    .     .     .     356 

Reed-mace,      .     428 

W. 

Maiden-hair,    .     451 

Rice-grass,      .     304 

Wall-cress,      .     395 

Marsh-grass,    .     304 

Rose,      ...     375 

Wake-robin,     .     352 

Marsh  marigold,  383 

Rose  of  Sharon,  395 

Water  arum,    .     442 

May-weed,       .     419 

Water  chick  weed  29  1 

Meadow-grass,     304 

S. 

Water-feather,     294 

Meadow-rue,    .     382 

Sanicle,       .     .     339 

Water-lily,       .     380 

Meadow-sweet,     374 

Saltwort,     .     .     338 

Water  horehound  294 

Mellilot,      .     .     402 

Sassafras,   .     .     354 

Water  target,  .     385 

Milfoil,    .     .     .     419 

Saxifrage,  .     .     367 

YVater-plantain,    343 

Milk-wort,  .     .401 

Sedge,    .     .     .     429 

Water-  parsnip,     341 

Millet-grass,     .     304 

Self  heal,    .     .     389 

Whortleberry,       362 

Mint,      ...     387 

Sidesaddle-flower  380 

Wild  indigo,     .     367 

Monkey-flower,    392 

Silk-weed,       .     336 

Wild  hemp,      .     446 

Moon-seed,      .     448 

Shield-fern,      .     450 

Wild  pennyroyal,  294 

Motherwort,     .     388 

Skull-cap,    .     .     390 

Wild  rice,    .     .     437 

Mountain  ash,       374 

Skunk-cabbage,    319 

Wild  pea,     .     .     366 

Mountain  laurel,   364 

Snakehead,      .     329 

Willow-herb,  .     355 

Mountain  mint,     389 

Solomon's  seal,     349 

Willow,       .     .     444 

Mullein,       .     .     330 
Mustard,      .     .    396 

Speed-well,      .     292 
Spurrey,      .     .     369 

Wind-flower,    .     382 
Winter-cress,        396 

Spike-grass,     .     308 

Winter-berry,       347 

N. 

Spurge,  .     .     .     428 

Wintergreen,  .     365 

St.  John's-  wort,   381 

Witch-hazle,   .     320 

Nettle,   ...     436 
New  Jersey  tea,  334 

Spleenwort,      .     451 
Staff-tree,   .     . 

Woundwort,     .     388 
Wood-sorrel,   .     370 

Star-  wort.  .     .     413 

O. 

Stargrass,  .     .     347 

Y. 

Oak,       ...     438 
Onion,    ...     347 

Strawberry,     .     377 
Sumach,      .     .     342 

Yelloweyed  grass  300 
Yellow  pond-lily,  380 

Orchard-grass,     310 

Sunfl'  *er,       .     419  Yew-tree    .     .    448 

INDEX   TO    THE    GENERA. 


A. 

ACALYPHA,  .       . 

443 

Artemisia,  .     . 
Aristida,      .     . 

4ir 

305 

Chrysosplenium, 
Chrysanthemum, 

367 
419 

Acer,       .     .     • 

356 

Arundo,        .     . 

207 

Cichorium,    " 

407 

Achillea,      .     . 

419 

Asarum,       .     . 

425 

Cicuta,    .     . 

340 

Acnida,  .     . 

446 

Asclepias,    .     . 

336 

Cimicifuga, 

381 

Acorus,  .     .     . 

350 

Aspidium,    .     . 

450 

Cinna,     .     . 

300 

Actaea,     .     .     . 

380 

Asplenium, 

450 

Circaea,   .     . 

295 

Adiantum,    .     . 

451 

Aster,      .     .     . 

413 

Cissus,    .     . 

335 

Agrimonia, 

373 

Atheropogon,    . 

312 

Claytonia,    . 

334 

Agropyron, 

311 

B. 

Clematis,     . 

382 

Agrostemma,    . 

370 

Baptisia,      .     . 

367 

Clethra, 

366 

Agrostis,      .     . 

306 

Barbarea,     .     . 

395 

Clinopodium, 

389 

Aira,        .     .     . 

311 

Berberis,     .     . 

347 

Cnicus,  .     . 

409 

Aletris,    .     .     . 

347 

Betula,    .     .     . 

440 

Cnidium, 

340 

Alisma, 

353 

Brasenia,     .     . 

385 

Collinsonia, 

295 

Allium,    .     .     . 

347 

Bidens,   .     .     . 

420 

Comptonia, 

436 

Alnus,     .     .     . 

436 

Bromus,       .     . 

310 

Conium, 

341 

Alopecurus, 

307 

Briza,      .     .     . 

380 

Convallaria, 

349 

Althaea,   .     .     . 

397 

Boehmeria, 

436 

Convolvulus, 

330 

Amaranthus,    . 

437 

Botrychium, 

452 

Conyza, 

411 

Ambrosia,    .     . 

437 

Brachyelytrum, 

308 

Coptis,    .     . 

383 

Amphicarpa,     . 

405 

C. 

Corallorhiza, 

424 

Anagalis,     .     . 

328 

Calla,      .     .     . 

442 

Cornus, 

318 

Andromeda. 

363 

Callitriche, 

292 

Corydalis,    . 

400 

Andropogon,     . 

314 

Caenotus, 

412 

Corylus, 

439 

Anemone,    .     . 

382 

Calopogon, 

423 

Crataegus,    . 

373 

Angelica,      .     . 

341 

Caltha,    .     .     . 

383 

Crotolaria,  . 

402 

Anthemis,    .     . 

419 

Campanula, 

331 

Cucubalus,  . 

368 

Anthoxanthum, 

307 

Cardamine, 

395 

Cupressus,  . 

443 

Antirrhinum,    . 

391 

Carex,     .     .     . 

429 

Cuscuta, 

338 

Anychia,      .     . 

336 

Carpinus,     .     . 

440 

Cynoglossum, 

328 

Apios,     .     .     . 

405 

Gary  a,     .     .     . 

441 

Cypripedium, 

424 

Apocynum, 

336 

Cassia,    .     .     . 

366 

Cyperus, 

303 

Aquilegia,    .     . 

381 

Castanea,     .     . 

440 

D. 

Arabis,    .     .     . 

395 

Caulinia,      .     . 

428 

Dactylis, 

310 

Aralia,     .     .     . 

343 

Ceanothus, 

334 

Dalibarda,    . 

376 

Arbutus,       .     . 

343 

Celastrus,    .     . 

334 

Danthonia,  . 

310 

Arctium,      .     . 

409 

Cephalanthus,  . 

316 

Datura,  .     . 

330 

Arenaria,     . 

369 

Cerastium,  .     . 

370 

Daucus, 

340 

Arethusia,    ;.,;. 

424 

Chelone,      .     . 

392 

Dentaria,     . 

395 

Arum,      .     .     . 

441 

Chelidonium,    . 

380 

Digitaria,    . 

313 

Aronia,  .     .     . 

374 

Chenopodiura,  . 

333 

Diervilla,     . 

332 

42 

484 


INDEX    TO    THE 


Dipsacus,    .     .     316  Heuchera,  .     . 

348  Liriodendron,  .     382 

Dirca,     ...     356 

HQbiscus,     .     . 

398 

Listeria,       .     .423 

Draba,    ...     395 

Elieracium, 

408 

Lithospermum,      327 

Drosera,      .     .     344 

ffordeum,    .     . 

314 

Lobelia,  .     .     .     331 

Dulichium,       .     303 

Hottonia,     .     . 

329 

Lolium,  .     .     .     311 

E. 

Houstonia,   „   .  . 

318 

Lonicera,     .     .     332 

Echium,      .     .     328 

Humulus,    . 

446 

Ludwegia,   .     .     319 

Elusine,       .     .     311 

Elydrocotyle,    . 

339 

Lupinus,      .     .     402 

Elymus,      .     .     311 

Hyoscyamus,    . 

330 

Luzula,    .     .     .     351 

Epiphagus,       .     393 

Hypericum, 

381 

Lycopodium,     .     452 

Epigaea,       .     .     365 

Hypoxis,      .     . 

349 

Lycopus,      .     .     294 

Epilobium,  .     .     355 

Hypopeltis, 

449 

Lycopsis,     .     .     328 

Equisetum,       .     453 

Hyssopus,    .     . 

387 

Lygustrum,       .     292 

Erigeron,    .     .     412 

I. 

Lysimachia,     .     329 

Eriocaulon,      .     436 

Ilex,  .... 

320 

Lythrum.     .     .    373 

Eriophorum,     .     303 

[mpatiens,    .     . 

332 

M. 

Erythronium,  .     348 

[nula,      .     .     . 

413 

Malaxis,       .     .     424 

Euchroma,       .     393 

[pomaea,       .     . 

330 

Malva,     ...    398 

Eupatorium,     .     410 

[ris,    .... 

300 

Mariscus,     .     .     303 

Euphorbia,       .     428 

Isnardia,      .     . 

319 

Marrubium,       .     388 

F. 

J. 

Medicago,    .     .    405 

Fagus,    .     .     .     440 

Juglans,       .     . 

441 

Melampyrum,   .     393 

Fcstuca,      .     .     310 

Juncus,       .     . 

350 

Melilotus,     .     .402 

Fragaria,     .     .     377 

Juniperis,     .     . 

447 

Menispermum,      447 

Fraxinus,    .     .     445 

K. 

Microstelis,      .     424 

Fumaria,     .     .     401 

Kalmia,  .     .     . 

363 

Mentha,  ...     387 

G. 

Krigia,    .     .     . 

409 

Menyanthes,     .     329 

Galeopsis,    .     .     388 

Koelaria.       .     . 

310 

Mikania,      .     .     411 

Galium,        .     .     317 

L. 

Milium,  ...     305 

Gaultheria,       .     362 

Lactuca,      .     . 

408 

Mimulus,     .     .     392 

Gaura,    ...     355 

Lamium,      .     . 

388 

Mitchella,    .     .     318 

Gentiana,     .     .     337 

Leiophyllum,    . 

366 

Mitella,   ...     367 

Geranium,   .     .     397 

Lathy  rus,     .     : 

402 

Mollugo,       .     .     314 

Gerardium,       .     391 

Laurus,  .     .     . 

359 

Monarda,     .     .     294 

Geum,     ...     376 

Lechea,  .     .     . 

314 

Monotropa,       .     365 

Glechoma,  .     .     388 

Leersia,  .    .*£; 

304 

Muhlenbergia,  .     305 

Glyceria,     .     .     308 

Ledum,  .     .     . 

366 

Myosotis,     .     .     328 

Gnaphalium,     .     411 

Lernna,   .     .     . 

295 

Myrica,  .     .     .     446 

Goodyera,    .     .    423 

Leontice,     .     . 

346 

Myrrhis,       .     .     340 

Gratiola,      .     .     293 

Lecontia,     .     . 

442 

Myriophyllum,      437 

Gyromia,     .     .     352 

Leontodon, 

407 

N. 

H. 

Leonorus,    .     . 

388 

Nasturtium,      .     396 

Habenaria,       .     422 

Lepidiurn,    .     . 

395 

Neottia,       .     .     423 

Hamamelis,      .     320 

Leptandria, 

293 

Nepeta,        .     .     388 

Hedeoma,    .     .     294 

Lespedeza,  .     . 

403 

Nuphar,       .          380 

Hedysarum,     .     404 

Liatris,    .     .     . 

410 

Nymphasa,   .     .     380 

Helenium,   .     .     419 

Ligustrum,  .     . 

292 

Nyssa,     ...     446 

Helianthemum,     397 

Lilium,    .     . 

348 

O. 

Helianthus,       .     419 

Limosella,    .     . 

391 

CEnothera,  .     .     356 

Helionas,     .     .    351 

Lindernia,    .     . 

293 

Onopordon,       .     409 

Hepatica,     .     .     383 

Linnaea,  .     .     . 

318 

Onoclea,       .     .451 

Heracleurn,      .     341 

Linum,    .     .     . 

344 

Onosmodium,   .,     338 

Hemerocallis  .     347 

Liquidarnber,    . 

441   Ophioglossum,       452 

GENERA. 


485 


Ornithogalum, 

348 

R. 

Spiraea,  .    .     . 

374 

Orchis,    .     .     . 

422 

Ranunculus, 

383 

Stipa,      .     .     . 

305 

Orobanche, 

393 

Rhamnus,     .     . 

335 

Streptopus, 

348 

Origanum, 

389 

Rhus,      .     .     . 

342 

Stachys,      ,     . 

388 

Orontium, 

350 

Rhexia,  .     .     . 

354 

Staphylea,   .     . 

343 

Oryzopsis, 

304 

Rododendron,  . 

364 

Statice,   ,     .     . 

344 

Osrnunda, 

451 

Rhynchospora, 

302 

Stellaria,      .     . 

368 

Ostrya,    . 

441 

Ribes,     .     .     . 

335 

Stylosanthes,    . 

403 

Oxalis,    . 

370 

Rochella,     .     . 

328 

Symplocarpus, 

319 

Oxycoecus, 

355 

Rhodora,      .     . 

364 

T. 

P 

Rosa,      .     .     . 

375 

Tanacetum,.     . 

411 

JT  • 

Panax,    .     .     . 
Panicum,     .     . 
Parnassia,    .     . 
Paspalum,    .     . 
Pastinaca,    .     . 
Pedicularis, 
Penthorum, 
Phaseolus,   .     . 
Phalaris,      .     . 
Phleum,       .     . 
Phragmites, 
Phyrma,       .     . 
Physalis,      .     . 
Phytolacca, 
Pinus,      .     .     . 
Piptatherum,    . 
Pisum,     .     .     . 
Plantago,      .     . 
Platanus,      .     . 
Poa,   .... 

338 
312 
343 
306 
341 
392 
370 
404 
307 
307 
308 
309 
331 
371 
442 
305 
402 
319 
441 
308 

A  CIO 

Rubus,     .     ,    . 
Rudbeckia,  .     . 
Rumex,  .     .     . 
S. 
Sagina,   .     .     . 
Sabbatia,      .     . 
Sagittaria,    .     . 
Saiicornia,  .     . 
Salix,      .     .     . 
Salsola,  .     .     . 
Salvia,     .     .     . 
Sambucus,  .     . 
Sanguinaria,     . 
Samolus,      .     . 
Sanguisorba,     . 
Sanicula,     .     . 
Saponaria,    .     . 
Sarracenia, 
Saururus,     .     . 
Saxifraga,    .     . 
Schoenus,     .     . 

375 
420 
352 

320 
330 
437 
292 
444 
338 
295 
342 
380 
329 

339 
348 
380 
353 
367 
302 

Taxus,     .     .     . 
Tephrosia,  .     . 
Teucrium,    . 
Thalictrum, 
Thesium,     .     . 
Thlapsi,       .     . 
Tiarella,       .     . 
Trichochloa,     . 
Trichostema,    . 
Trichodium, 
Trientalis,    .     . 
Trifolium,    .     . 
Triglochin,  .     . 
Trillium,      .     . 
Triosteum, 
Tripsacum, 
Trisetum,     .     . 
Typha,    .     .     . 

Ulmus,    .     .     . 
Uniola,    .     .     . 

448 
405 
387 
382 
336 
394 
367 
307 
390 
306 
354 
403 
352 
352 
332 
435 
310 
426 

339 

308 

Pogonia, 
Polanisia,     .     . 
Polygala,      .     . 
Polypodium,     . 
Polygonum, 
Polypogon, 
Pontedera,  . 

4!<5o 

397 
401 
449 
356 
306 
347 

Scirpus,  .     .     . 
Scleranthus,     . 
Scrophularia,    . 
Scutellaria, 
Senecio,       .     . 
Setaria,  .     .     . 
Sida,  .... 

301 
386 
391 
390 
418 
313 
398 

Urtica,    .     .     . 
Utricularia, 
Uvularia,      .     . 
V. 
Vaccinum,    .     . 
Veratrum,    .     . 
Verbascum, 

436 
294 
348 

362 
351 
330 

Populus,       .     . 
Portulacea, 
Potamogeton,   . 
Potentilla,    .     . 
Prenanthes, 

447 
379 
320 
377 

408 

O  A  l*f 

Silene,     .     .     . 
Sinapis,  .     .     . 
Sison,      .     .     . 
Sisymbrium, 
Sisirinchium,    . 

368 
396 
339 
396 
340 

Verbena,      .     . 
Vernonia,     .     . 
Veronica,     .     . 
Viburnum,   .     . 
Vicia,      .     .     . 

390 
410 
292 
341 
402 

Prinos,    .     .     . 
Proserpinica,    . 
Prunella, 
Prunus,   .     .     . 
Psamma,      .     . 
Pteris,     .     .     . 
Pycnanthemum, 
Pyrola,    .     . 

347 
315 
387 
372 
307 
451 
389 
365 

Sium,       .     .     . 
Smilax,   .    .     . 
Smyrnium,  ,     , 
Solanum,      .     . 
Solidago,      .     . 
Sorbus,  .     .     . 
Sonchus,      .     . 
Sparganium,     . 

341 
447 
340 
331 

374 

408 
428 

Villarsia,      .     . 
Viola,      .     .     . 
Vitis,                . 
A. 
Xanthium,  .     . 
Xylosteum, 
Xyris,      z-    . 

329 
333 
335 

437 
332 

300 

Q- 

Spartina,      .     . 

304 

Zanthoxymm, 

446 

Quercus,      .     . 

438 

Spergula,     .     . 

369 

Zanthium,   . 

43? 

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1 .  A  better  connected  and  more  progressive  method   of  geometrizing,  calculated  to 
enable  the  student  to  go  alone. 

2.  A  fuller,  more  varied,  and  available  practice,  by  the  introduction  of  more  than 
four  hundred  exercises,  arithmetical,  demonstrative,  and  algebraical,  so  chosen  as  to 
be  serviceable  rather  than  amusing,  and  so  arranged  as  greatly  to  aid  in  the  acquisi- 
tion of  the  theory. 

3.  The  bringing  together  of  such  a  body  of  geometrical  knowledge,  theoretical  and 
practical,  as  every  individual  on  entering  into  active  life  demands. 

4.  A  system  of  surveying  ivhich  saves  two-thirds  of  the  labor  required  by  the  ordi- 
nary process. 

This  work  is  well  spoken  of  universally,  and  is  already  in  use  in  some  of  the  best 
institutions  of  this  country.  It  is  recommended  by  Prof.  Pierce,  of  Cambridge,  Prof. 
Smith,  of  Middletown,  Prof.  Dodd,  of  Lexington,  and  many  other  eminent  mathe- 
maticians. 

From  E.  M.  MORSE,  ESQ. 

I  consider  that  I  have  obtained  more  mathematical  knowledge  from  Whitlock's 
Geometry  than  from  all  other  text -books  combined.  Unlike  too  many  treatises  of  a 
similar  nature,  it  is  eminently  calculated  to  make  mathematicians. 


PROF.  J.  B.  DODD'S  MATHEMATICAL  SERIES 

COMPRISES 

AN  ELEMENTARY  AND  PRACTICAL  ARITHMETIC $0  45 

HIGH  SCHOOL  ARITHMETIC 0  84 

ELEMENTS  OF  ALGEBRA 0  84 

HIGHER  ALGEBRA 1  50 

KEY  TO  ALGEBRA 0  84 

ELEMENTS  OF  GEOMETRY 1  00 

These  books  are  believed  to  be  unrivaled  in  the  following  particulars : 

1.  The  philosophical  accurateness  with  which  their  topics  are  arranged,  so  as  to 
show  the  mutual  dependence  and  relationship  of  their  subjects. 

2.  The  scientific  correctness  and  practical  convenience  of  their  greatly  improved 
nomenclature. 

3.  The  clear  and  concise  manner  in  which  principles  are  stated  and  explanations 
are  given. 

4.  Brevity  and  completeness  of  rules. 

5.  The  distinctness  with  which  the  true  connection  between  Arithmetic  and  its 
cognate  branches  is  developed. 

6.  The  excellent  and  thorough  intellectual  discipline  superinduced. 

RECOMMENDATIONS. 

From  R.  T.  P.  ALLEN,  Superintendent  of  Kentucky  Military  Institute. 
Upon  a  careful  examination  of  a  manuscript  Treatise  on  Arithmetic,  by  Prof. 
Dodd,  I  find  it  greatly  superior  to  all  others  which  have  come  under  my  notice,  in 
system,  completeness,  and  nomenclature.  The  arrangement  is  natural,  the  system 
complete,  and  the  nomenclature  greatly  improved.  These  improvements  are  not 
slight;  they  are  fundamental — eminently  worthy  the  attention  of  the  mathematical 
teacher,  and  give  a  character  of  unity  to  the  work  which  at  once  distinguishes  it  from 
all  others  on  this  subject. 

From  C.  M.  WRIGHT,  Associate  Principal  of  Mount  Palatine  Academy. 
I  have  examined  Dodd's  Arithmetic,  and  am  fully  persuaded  that  it  is  superior  to 
any  other  with  which  I  am  acquainted.     I  could  speak  in  detail  were  it  necessary ; 
but  all  that  is  required  to  establish  its  reputation  and  introduction,  is  to  have  it 
known  by  teachers. 


4  Farmer,  Brace  $  Go's  Publications. 

From  M.  S.  LITTLEFIELD,  Grand  Rapids,  Mich. 

I  have  Dodd's  Higher  Arithmetic,  and  unhesitatingly  pronounce  it  the  best  work 
for  advanced  classes  I  have  ever  seen. 

From  E.  HINDS,  ESQ.,  of  Newtown  Academy. 

I  have  recently  adopted  Dodd's  High  School  Arithmetic,  and  like  it  much.  Having 
seen  that  Prof.  Dodd  is  also  author  of  an  Algebra,  I  should  like  to  see  that  work  be- 
fore forming  a  new  class. 

From  H.  ELIAS,  ESQ.,  Palmyra,  Mo. 

I  have  fairly  tested  Dodd's  Algebra,  and  am  much  pleased  with  it.  If  I  like  his 
Geometry  as  well  as  the  Algebra,  I  shall  forthwith  introduce  it  into  my  school. 

From  PROF.  W.  H.  DE  PUY. 

We  have  introduced  Dodd's  Algebra  into  the  Genesee  Wesleyan  Seminary  as  a 
permanent  text-book. 

From  R.  H.  MOORE,  III. 
Dodd's  Algebra  possesses  excellencies  pertaining  to  no  other  work. 

From  REV  J.  A.  MCCANLEY,  Va. 
I  am  much  pleased  with  Dodd's  Algebra,  and  will  introduce  it. 

From  OSCAR  HARRIS,  N.  J. 

I  use  Professor  Dodd's  Algebra,  and  shall  continue  it  as  our  regular  text-book. 
From  PROF.  A.  L.  HAMILTON,  President  of  Andrew  College. 

I  have  examined  with  some  care  Prof.  Dodd's  Elements  of  Geometry,  and,  so  far 
as  I  am  capable  of  judging,  I  conceive  it  to  be  in  many  respects  decidedly  the  best 
work  of  the  kind  extant.  For  simplicity,  exactness,  and  completeness,  it  can  have 
no  superior.  Like  his  Arithmetic  and  Algebra,  in  many  important  particulars,  his 
Geometry  stands  pre-eminent  and  alone. 

A  NEW  COMMON-SCHOOL  ARITHMETIC,  by  Prof.  Dodd,  is  in 

press. 

The  Department  of  Public  Instruction  in  Canada  has  repeatedly  ordered  Prof. 
Dodd's  books,  as  well  as  many  of  F.  B.  &  Co.'s  other  publications,  for  use  in  schools 

SCHELL'S  INTRODUCTORY  LESSONS  IN  ARITHMETIC  ;  designed 

as  an  Introduction  to  the  study  of  any  Mental  or  Written  Arithmetic.  It  contains 
a  large  amount  of  mental  questions  together  with  a  large  number  of  questions  to 
be  performed  on  the  slate,  thus  combining  mental  and  written  exercises  for  young 
beginners.  This  is  a  very  attractive  little  book,  superior  to  any  of  its  class.  It 
leads  the  pupil  on  by  the  easiest  steps  possible,  and  yet  insures  constant  pro- 
gress. 20  cents. 

From  GEO.  PAYNE  QUACKENBOS,  Rector  of  Henry  street  Grammar  School,  N.  Y 
It  is  unnecessary  to  do  more  than  to  ask  the  attention  of  teachers  to  this  work  ; 
they  cannot  examine  it  impartially  without  being  convinced  of  its  superior  merits. 
It  will,  no  doubt,  become  one  of  the  most  popular  of  school-books. 

From  J.  MARKHAM,  Ohio. 

I  wish  to  introduce  Schell's  little  Arithmetic.  It  is  just  the  thing  for  beginners. 
Send  six  dozen 

From  G.  C.  MERRIFIELD,  Ind. 
I  am  highly  pleased  with  Schell's  little  book,  and  shall  use  it. 

From  D.  F.  DEWOLF.  Ohio. 
Schell's  little  book  for  children  is  a  beau-ideal  of  my  own,  and  of  course  it  suits. 

From  D.  G.  HEFFRON,  Sup't.  Schools,  Utica. 

The  School  Committee  have  adopted  Schell's  Arithmetic  for  our  public  schools 
Send  us  three  hundred. 


Farmer,  Brace  <f  Co's  Publications.  5 

AN  INTELLECTUAL  AND  PRACTICAL  ARITHMETIC  ;    or,  First 

Lessons  in  Arithmetical  Analysis.     By  J.  L.  Enos,  Graduate  of  the  New  York 

State  Normal  Schools.    25  cents. 

The  same  clearness  and  conciseness  characterize  this  admirable  book  that  belong 
to  the  works  of  Prof.  Dodd.  The  natural  arrangements  of  the  text,  and  the  logical 
mode  of  solving  the  questions,  is  a  peculiar  and  important  feature  belonging  to  this 
book  aloue. 

From  PROF.  C.  M.  WRIGHT.  .-,:- 

I  have  examined  with  care  and  interest  Enos'  Mental  Arithmetic,  and  shall  intro" 
duce  it  at  once  into  the  Academy. 

From  PROFS.  D.  I.  PINCKNEY,  S.  M.  FELLOWS,  S.  SEARLE,  Rock  River  Seminary 
We  have  examined   an  intellectual  Arithmetic,  by  J.  L.  Enos,  and  like  it  much 
We  shall  immediately  use  it  in  our  school. 

PROF.  PALMER'S  BOOK-KEEPING  ;  Key  and  Blanks.     67  cents. 

This  excellent  book  is  superior  to  the  books  generally  used,  because : 

1.  It  contains  a  large  number  of  business  blanks  to  be  filled  by  the  learner,  such  as 
deeds,  mortgages,  agreements,  assignments,  &c.,  &c. 

2.  Explanations  from  page  to  page,  from  article  to  article,  and  to  settle  principles 
of  law  in  relation  to  deeds,  mortgages,  <fec.,  <fec. 

3.  The  exercises  are  to  be  written  out,  after  being  calculated.    In  other  works,  the 
pupil  is  expected  to  copy,  merely. 

Palmer's  Book-Keeping  is  used  in  the  New  York  Public  Schools,  and  extensively 
in  Academies,  It  is  r  commended  by  Horace  Webster,  LL.  D.,  G.  B.  Docharty, 
LL.  D.,  and  a  large  number  of  accountants  and  teachers. 


REV.  P.  BULLIONS'  ENGLISH  AND  CLASSICAL  SERIES, 

COMPRISING 

PRACTICAL  LESSONS  IN  ENGLISH  GRAMMAR  AND  COMPOSITION $0  25 

PRINCIPLES  OF  ENGLISH  GRAMMAR 0  10 

PROGRESSIVE  EXERCISES  IN  ANALYSIS  AND  PARSING 0  15 

INTRODUCTION  TO  ANALYTICAL  GRAMMAR 0  30 

NEW,  OR  ANALYTICAL  AND  PRACTICAL  ENGLISH  GRAMMAR 0  63 

LATIN  LESSONS,  WITH  EXERCISES  IN  PARSING.    By  Geo.  Spencer,  A.  M.    Half 

cloth,  enlarged 0  63 

BULLIONS'  PRINCIPLES  OF  LATIN  GRAMMAR 1  00 

BULLIONS'  LATIN  READER.    With  an  Introduction  on  the  Idioms  of  the  Latin 

Language.     An  improved  Vocabulary 1  00 

BULLIONS'  CAESAR'S  COMMENTARIES 1  00 

BULLIONS'   CICERO'S   ORATIONS.    With  reference  both  to  Bullions',  and  An- 
drew's, and  Stoddard's  Latin  Grammar 113 

BULLIONS'  SALLUST 1  00 

BULLIONS'  GREEK  LESSONS  FOR  BEGINNERS 0  75 

BULLIONS' PRINCIPLES  OF  GREEK  GRAMMAR 1  13 

BULLIONS'  GREEK  READER     With  Introduction  on  the  Idioms  of  the  Greek 

Language,  and  Improved  Lexicon 1  75 

BULLIONS'  LATIN  EXERCISES 1  25 

COOPER'S  VIRGIL 200 

In  this  series  of  books,  the  three  Grammars,  English,  Latin,  and  Greek,  are  all  on 
the  same  plan.  The  general  arrangement,  definitions,  rules,  dec.,  are  the  same,  and 
expressed  in  the  same  language,  as  nearly  as  the  nature  of  the  case  would  admit. 
To  those  who  study  Latin  and  Greek,  much  time  and  labor,  it  is  believed,  will  be 
saved  by  this  method,  both  to  teacher  and  pupil.  The  analogy  and  peculiarities  of 
the  diflerent  languages  being  kept  in  view,  will  show  what  is  common  to  all,  or  pecu- 


6  Farmer,  Brace  <?•  Go's  Publications. 

liar  to  each ;  the  confusion  and  difficulty  unnecessarily  occasioned  by  the  use  of  ele- 
mentary works  differing  widely  from  each  other  in  language  and  structure,  will  be 
avoided,  and  the  progress  of  the  student  rendered  much  more  rapid,  easy,  and  satis- 
factory. 

No  series  of  Grammars,  having  this  object  in  view,  has  heretofore  been  prepared, 
and  the  advantages  which  they  offer  cannot  be  obtained  in  an  equal  degree  by  the 
study  of  any  other  Grammars  now  in  use.  They  form  a  complete  course  of  element- 
ary books,  in  which  the  substance  of  the  latest  and  best  Grammars  in  each  language 
has  been  compressed  into  a  volume  of  convenient  size,  beautifully  printed  on  supe- 
rior paper,  neatly  and  strongly  bound,  and  are  put  at  the  lowest  prices  at  which  they 
can  be  afforded. 

The  elementary  works  intended  to  follow  the  Grammars — namely,  the  Latin 
Reader  and  the  Greek  Reader — are  also  on  the  SAME  PLAN  ;  are  prepared  with  special 
references  to  these  works,  and  contain  a  course  of  elementary  instruction  so  unique 
and  simple  as  to  furnish  great  facilities  to  the  student  in  these  languages. 

NOTICES. 

From  PROF.  C.  S.  FENNEL,  Antioch  College,  Ohio. 

Bullions'  books,  by  their  superior  arrangement  and  accuracy,  their  completeness 
as  a  series,  and  the  references  from  one  to  the  other,  supply  a  want  more  perfectly 
than  any  other  books  have  done.  They  bear  the  marks  of  the  instructor  as  well  as 
the  scholar.  It  requires  more  than  learning  to  make  a  good  school-book. 

From  J.  B.  THOMPSON,  A.  M.,  late  Rector  of  the  Somerville  Classical  Institute,  N.  J. 
I  use  Bullions'  works — all  of  them — and  consider  them  the  best  of  the  kind  that 
have  been  issued  in  this  or  any  other  language.  If  they  were  universally  used  we 
would  not  have  so  many  superficial  scholars,  and  the  study  of  the  classics  would  be 
more  likely  to  serve  the  end  for  which  it  was  designed— the  strengthening  and 
adorning  of  the  mind. 

From  A.  C.  RICHARDS,  ESQ.,  Clay  Co.,  Ga. 

We  think  Bullions'  Latin  Grammar,  in  the  arrangement  of  its  syntax  and  the  con- 
ciseness of  its  rules,  the  manner  of  treating  prosody,  and  the  conjugations  of  the 
verbs,  superior  to  any  other.  If  his  Greek  Reader  is  as  good  as  the  Latin  Reader,  we 
shall  introduce  it. 

It  is  almost  superfluous  to  publish  notices  of  books  so  extensively  used. 

Within  the  last  few  months  Dr.  Bullions'  English  Grammar  has  been  introduced 
into  the  Public,  and  many  of  the  Private  Schools,  the  Latin  School,  the  English 
High  School,  the  City  Normal  School,  of  the  city  of  Boston ;  Normal  Schools  of 
Bridgewater  and  Westfield;  Marlborough  Academy;  cities  of  Salem,  Newburyport, 
&c.,  Mass.  ;  Portsmouth.  Concord,  and  several  academies  in  New  Hampshire ;  and 
re-adopted  in  Albany  and  Troy,  New  York.  They  are  used  in  over  seventy  acade- 
mies in  New  York,  and  in  many  of  the  most  flourishing  institutions  in  every  State  of 
the  Union.  Also,  in  the  Public  Schools  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  of  Canada,  in 
Oregon  and  Australia.  The  classical  Series  has  been  introduced  into  several  col- 
leges, and  it  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  Bullions'  Grammars  bid  fair  to  become  the 
Standard  Grammars  of  the  country. 


THE    STUDENTS'    SERIES. 

BY  J.  S.  DENMAN,  A.  M. 

Cents. 

THE  STUDENTS'  PRIMER 7 

"  "          SPELLING-BOOK 13 

'•  "          FIRST  READER 13 

"  «  SECOND    "       25 

"  "  THIRD      "       40 

"  "  FOURTH  "        75 

"          FIFTH      "       94 

"  "          SPEAKER.  ..  31 


Farmer,  Brace  4-  Go's  Publications.  7 

The  Publishers  feel  justified  in  claiming  that  the  Students'  Series  is  decidedly  the 
best  for  teaching  reading,  and  spelling  that  has  yet  appeared.  The  plan  of  teaching 
includes,  in  the  first  steps,  an  ingenious  and  original  mode  of  repetition  which  is 
very  pleasing  and  encouraging  to  the  pupil.  The  first  books  of  the  series  are  very 
instructive,  and  the  later  portions  consist  of  fine  selections,  which  are  not  hack- 
neyed. Prof.  Page,  late  Principal  of  the  New  York  State  Normal  School,  said  of  this 
system:  "  It  is  the  best  I  ever  saw  for  teaching  the  first  principles  of  Reading." 
Such  testimony  is  of  the  highest  value,  and  none  need  be  afraid  to  use  the  books  on 
such  a  recommendation. 

The  numerous  notices  from  all  parts  of  the  country  where  these  books  have  been 
used,  cannot  be  introduced  here.  They  have  just  gone  into  the  schools  of  Seneca 
County,  N.  Y.,  without  solicitation ;  and  the  same  is  true  of  many  important 
schools  where  they  have  been  examined. 

From  C.  B.  CRUMB,  N.  Y. 

The  Students'  Series  is,  in  my  opinion,  the  best  in  use.  I  believe  a  class  of  young 
students  will  learn  twice  as  much,  with  the  same  labor,  as  they  would  from  any  other 
system.  The  books  of  this  Series  excel  in  the  purity  and  attraction  of  their  style 
I  have  introduced  them. 


DE.  COMSTOCK'S  SERIES  OF  BOOKS  ON  THE  SCIENCES,  viz: 

INTRODUCTION  TO  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHY.    For  Children $0  42 

SYSTEM  OF  NATURAL  PHILOSOPHY,  newly  revised  and  enlarged,  including  late 

discoveries 100 

ELEMENTS  OF  CHEMISTRY.    Adapted  to  the  present  state  of  the  Science 1  00 

THE  YOUNG  BOTANIST.    New  edition 50 

ELEMENTS  OF  BOTANY.    Including  Vegetable  Physiology,  and  a  Description  of 

Common  Plants.    With  Cuts 125 

OUTLINES  OF  PHYSIOLOGY,  both  Comparative  and  Human.    To  which  is  added 

OUTLINES  OF  ANATOMY,  excellent  for  the  general  scholar  and  ladies'  schools.        80 

NEW  ELEMENTS  OF  GEOLOGY.    Highly  Illustrated 1  25 

ELEMENTS  OF  MINERALOGY.    Illustrated  with  numerous  Cuts 75 

NATURAL  HISTORY  OF  BIRDS.     Showing  their  Comparative  Size.    A  new  and 

valuable  feature 50 

NATURAL  HISTORY  OF  BEASTS.    Ditto 50 

NATURAL  HISTORY  OF  BIRDS  AND  BEASTS.    Do.  Cloth 1  00 

QUESTIONS  AND  ILLUSTRATIONS  TO  THE  PHILOSOPHY 30 

All  the  above  works  are  fully  illustrated  by  elegant  cuts. 

The  Philosophy  has  been  republished  in  Scotland,  and  translated  for  the  use  p 
schools  in  Prussia.  The  many  valuable  additions  to  the  work  by  its  transatlantic 
editors,  Prof.  Lees,  of  Edinburgh,  and  Prof.  Iloblyn,  of  Oxford,  have  been  embraced 
by  the  author  in  his  last  revision.  The  Chemistry  has  been  entirely  revised,  and 
contains  all  the  late  discoveries,  together  with  methods  of  analyzing  minerals  and 
metals.  Portions  of  the  series  are  in  course  of  publication  in  London.  Such  testi- 
mony, in  addition  to  the  general  good  testimony  of  teachers  In  this  country,  is  suffi- 
cient to  warrant  us  in  saying  that  no  works  on  similar  subjects  can  equal  them,  or 
have  ever  been  so  extensively  used.  Continual  applications  arc  made  to  the  publish- 
ers to  replace  the  Philosophy  in  schools  where,  for  a  time,  it  has  given  way  to  other 
booke.  The  style  of  Dr.  Comstock  is  so  clear,  and  his  arrangement  is  so  excellent, 
that  no  writer  can  be  found  to  excel  him  for  school  purposes,  and  he  takes  constant 
pains  to  include  new  discoveries,  and  to  consult  eminently  scientific  men. 


HON.  J.  OLNEY'S  GEOGRAPHICAL  SERIES. 
PPIMARY  GEOGRAPHY;  with  Colored  Maps.     25  cents. 

QUARTO  GEOGRAPHY  ;  with  elegant  Cuts,  Physical   Geogra- 
phy Tables.  Map  of  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  <fcc.    75  cents. 


8  Farmer,  Brace  <$•  Co'*  Publication. 

OLNEY'S  SCHOOL  GEOGRAPHY  AND  ATLAS.  Containing  An- 
cient Geography,  Physical  Geography,  Tables,  an  entirely  new  Chart  of  the 
World,  to  show  its  physical  contormation,  as  adapted  to  purposes  of  commerce, 
and  also  for  the  purpose  of  reviewing  classes ;  also  a  Chronological  Table  of  Disco- 
veries. $1  12. 

OLNEY'S    OUTLINE    MAPS.     Of   the    World,    United    States, 

Europe,  Asia,  Africa,  America,  and  Canada,  with  Portfolio  and  Book  of  Exercises. 

$6. 

All  the  recent  improvements  are  included  in  Olney's  Quarto  and  School  Geogra- 
phies. They  are  not  obsolete  or  out  of  date,  but  fully  "  up  to  the  times."  In  ele- 
gance or  completeness  they  are  not  surpassed. 

Mr.  Olney  commenced  the  plan  of  simplifying  the  first  lesson,  and  teaching  a  child 
by  what  is  familiar,  to  the  exclusion  of  astronomy.  He  commenced  the  plan  of  hav- 
ing only  those  things  represented  on  the  maps  which  the  pupil  was  required  to 
learn.  He  originated  the  system  of  classification,  and  of  showing  the  government, 
religion,  &c.,  by  symbols.  He  first  adopted  the  system  of  carrying  the  pupil  over 
the  earth  by  means  of  the  Atlas.  His  works  first  contained  cuts,  in  which  the  dress, 
architecture,  animals,  internal  improvements,  &c.,  of  each  country  are  grouped,  so 
as  to  be  seen  at  one  view.  His  works  first  contained  the  world  as  known  to  the  An- 
cients, as  an  aid  to  Ancient  History,  and  a  Synopsis  of  Physical  Geography,  with 
maps.  In  short,  we  have  seen  no  valuable  feature  in  any  geography  which  has  not 
originally  appeared  in  these  works;  and  we  think  it  not  too  much  to  claim  that,  in 
many  respects,  most  other  works  are  copies  of  these.  We  think  that  a.  fair  and 
candid  examination  will  show  that  Olney's  Atlas  is  the  largest,  most  systematic, 
and  complete  of  any  yet  published,  and  that  the  Quarto  and  Modern  School  Geogra- 
phies contain  more  matter,  and  that  better  arranged,  than  any  similar  works  ;  and 
they  are  desired  to  test  the  claims  here  asserted. 

It  is  impossible  to  give  here  more  than  a  fractional  part  of  the  recommendations, 
of  the  first  order,  which  the  publishers  have  received  for  the  foregoing  list  of  books. 
Enough  has  been  given  to  show  the  claims  of  the  books  to  examination  and  use. 

All  these  works  are  made  in  very  neat,  durable  style,  and  are  sold  as  low  as  a 
moderate  remuneration  will  allow.  Copies  supplied  to  teachers  for  their  own  use  at 
one-fifth  off  from  the  retail  price,  and  postage  paid.  Large  institutions  are  furnished 
sample  copies  without  charge. 

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OVERDUE-E;"                    :-,.—. 

II  -•  1  -, 

«^ 

ADD  -3  19TC 

UW'Si        IQ?')  1  Q 

WAT  4      Wd  U 

WAV  2  1  1971 

WAY  2  4  19T3ff^ 

LD  21-10m-5,  '43  (6061s) 

An  introdxiction 
itudy  of  botany 


UG  31    1945 


: 


THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


;  An  ELEMENTARY  PHYSIOLOGY,  by  Prof.  H.  HOOKER,  M.  D.,  of  Yale  College,  for 
taehools  and  general  .readers,  is  admirably  simple  and  lueid  in  its  mode  of  presenting 
the  science. 

r  — 

r .  Prof.  HOOKER'S  HUMAN  PHYSIOLOGY  was  prepared  at  the  request  6f  eminent  teachers 
'in  New  England,  in  whose  schools  it  has  been  tested  in  the  form  of  lectures.  It  is 
clear,  and  fully  adapted  to  the  wants  of  High  Schools,  especially  Female  Seminaries. 


The  GERMAN  GRAMMAR,  by  Prof.  PEISSNETI,  is  on  an  entirely  new  plan,  and  the 
book  is  used  in  some  of  the  very  first  schools  in  the  country. 

The  foregoing  works  are  furnished  in  as  neat,  attractive,  and  substantial  a  dress  aa    ^ 
any  other  school  books,  and  are  furnished  at  the  most  reasonable  prices 

f  FARMER,    BRACE    &    CO., 

Successors  to  PRATT,  WOODFORD  &  Co.,  jj 

No.  4  CORTLANDT  STREET,  N.  Y. 


